May Moments: Behind the Lens, Honest Stories, and the Value of Being in the Frame

Hi there,

May is here, and if there’s one thing I’ve been reminded of this season, it’s how much the little things matter. The baby yawns. The hand-holding. The real laugh that sneaks out mid-session when nobody’s trying too hard. These are the moments that make photography magic—and they’re what I love capturing most.

This month, I’m sharing more than just tips or promos—I’m pulling back the curtain on what really goes into a session, why it’s so worth it, and how to make the most of your experience whether you’re planning maternity photos or a budget-friendly family shoot.

📸 Photography Tip of the Month

Planning a Spring Family Session with Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be honest—family sessions with little ones can feel a bit like herding squirrels. But the trick isn’t perfection... it’s play.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

✔️ Outfits that move – Choose clothes that let kids run, twirl, and climb without tugging or pinching. Flowy dresses, soft cottons, and layered neutrals photograph beautifully and feel comfortable.

✔️ Plan around their best time of day – Golden hour is dreamy, but your child’s nap or mealtime takes priority. We can still get gorgeous images at other times—we’ll work together to find the balance.

✔️ Build-in play time – Arrive a few minutes early to let your child explore. I’ll gently guide the session with prompts, not poses. My goal is always real interaction over rigid smiles.

✔️ Bring one “reset item” – A small snack, toy, or comfort item can do wonders if someone needs a break.

Remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. The giggles, the in-between moments, the wind-blown hair—that’s where the real story is.

🌼 Coming This Month on the Blog

May’s blog lineup is all about real talk, real photos, and real value—here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

🧡 Authentic Maternity Style
Not a flower crown person? No problem. I’ll share ways to make your maternity session feel like you, not a Pinterest template.

👶 Newborn Photography Myths (Busted)
Think you need a sleeping baby, perfect nursery, or a super-scheduled day to get beautiful newborn portraits? Think again.

💸 Budget-Friendly Family Session Tips
Get outfit ideas, session prep hacks, and ways to make your photos feel high-end without going over budget.

📸 Behind the Lens
What it’s really like to be a newborn photographer (and what I wish more people knew about the work that goes into each image).

✨ New posts will go live every Tuesday and Friday—follow me on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss a thing!

💖 Let’s Talk About Being in the Frame

I hear this all the time:
“I want photos of my kids, but I don’t want to be in them.”
“I’m not feeling like myself right now.”
“I’ll book when I’ve lost the weight/grown out my hair/have more time.”

But here’s the thing—your kids don’t care about any of that.
They just want to remember you.

You don’t have to feel “camera-ready” to belong in your own story. I promise: the version of you that shows up today? She is already worthy of being remembered.

Being in photos isn’t vanity—it’s legacy.

Whether it’s a family session, a quiet moment with your newborn, or a seasonal mini where you just show up as you are—I’ll be there to help you feel seen, relaxed, and beautiful.

🐾 Reminder: Pet Sessions Are Still Available

Your pets are family, too. Whether you’ve got a new puppy, a sweet old soul, or just want portraits of your pup “just because,” I offer full pet sessions in the studio. You can even combine a family + pet shoot for the full crew!

🖤 A Quick Note About The Framekeeper Project

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how much storytelling means to me. That’s why I’ve launched The Framekeeper Project—a nonprofit mission to preserve at-risk historical photos and records that might otherwise be lost.

It’s a labor of love, rooted in the belief that memory matters. And just like the work I do with your families, it’s about protecting what’s important—before it disappears.

You can follow along or learn more at TheFramekeeperProject.org

🌟 Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

If you’ve been thinking, “I need to book a session, but I’m not sure when or how…” this is your moment.

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to create portraits you’ll treasure. But more than that, it’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the season, and preserve the way your life looks right now—messy, beautiful, and real.

✨ I’ll guide you through every step—from planning outfits to choosing your location
✨ I’ll pose and prompt you gently so you never feel stiff or unsure
✨ And I’ll help you turn your images into art you can actually hold in your hands

📅 Spring sessions are already filling up—don’t wait if you know you want one.
Let’s chat and make something meaningful together: Book your session here 

Thank you for letting me do what I love. Every story I get to capture is a gift, and I never take that for granted.

With gratitude,
Giliane Mansfeldt
Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography, LLC