Myth #1: The Best Photo Session Days = Sunny Days
Bright, sunny days might seem ideal, but they often cast harsh shadows, cause squinting, and can create harsh lighting. Some of the most beautiful portraits are made on cloudy days, during golden hour, or even in light weather conditions that create soft, flattering light. One of my favorites? Sunset after a rainstorm! 😍
Myth #2: If My Kid Doesn’t Behave like a Little Angel, the Session Will Be a Fail
Some of the best moments happen when kids are simply being themselves. They don’t need to sit still, smile on command, or act perfectly for beautiful family portraits to happen. Laughter, curiosity, play, movement, and some silliness often create the most authentic and memorable photographs.
Myth #3: Trendy Clothes Look Best in Portraits
Trends come and go, but portraits are meant to be enjoyed for years to come. You can avoid dating yourself in your portraits by wearing more timeless attire. The best outfits are the ones that feel authentic, fit well, and harmonize with your surroundings. Clothing that complements rather than distracts will help the focus stay where it belongs: on the people and relationships in the portrait.
Myth #4: Being Photogenic = Good at Posing
People often say “I’m just not good in front of a camera.” Being photogenic isn’t something you’re born with and doesn’t require modeling skills. Most people feel awkward in front of a camera at first. What makes someone look great in portraits is feeling relaxed, comfortable, connected, and supported. A good photographer will guide you every step of the way so your best self shines through.
Myth #5: If You Have a Nice Camera, You Can Make Beautiful Portraits
A professional camera is just a tool, one piece of the puzzle. Beautiful portraits come from understanding light, composition, connection, and storytelling. The magic isn’t in the gear. It’s in a photographer’s ability to help people feel comfortable and facilitate genuine moments.
Myth #6: Being a Photographer = Taking Pictures All Day Long
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Most people are surprised to learn that clicking the shutter is only a small part of the job. Each session represents hours spent planning, communicating with clients, editing images, maintaining equipment, managing a business, continuing education, and creating, designing, delivering, and installing finished artwork. Most photographers spend way more time behind a computer than behind a camera.
Myth #7: I Need to Know What to Do with My Hands
If you’ve ever worried about posing, you’re not alone. One of the most common things people say before a session is, “I have no idea what to do!” The good news is that you don’t have to. A true portrait artist is a director who can guide (and distract!) you, allowing you to be your authentic self.
Myth #8: We’ll Have More Time for Portraits Later
Life has a way of moving faster than we expect. Children grow, families change, and seasons of life come and go in the blink of an eye. Of course, it’s easy to put off scheduling portraits for a “better” time. But the truth is that the moments you’ll miss are the ones happening right now. The BIGGEST regret I hear from seasoned parents is missing stages with their family in portraits.
Flagstaff Family Portrait Photography • Flagstaff Maternity Pregnancy Photographer • Flagstaff Newborn Photographer • Flagstaff Child Photographer • Flagstaff Senior Portrait Photographer • Flagstaff Couples Photography
Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, and high school seniors in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona
