Capturing Real Moments at Bethabara Park: A Lifestyle Family Session

If you’ve ever wondered, “Where can I get natural, candid family photos in Winston-Salem?”—you’re in the right place. I recently had the joy of photographing a sweet mother and her son at beautiful Bethabara Park, and this session is the perfect example of what lifestyle photography is all about.

Mom came into the session feeling a bit nervous—she wasn’t sure about posing and didn’t love being in front of the camera. She was also worried her high-energy son wouldn’t cooperate. These concerns are incredibly common, and I hear them often from parents looking to book a relaxed, real-life photo session.

If you're searching, “Are there photographers in Winston-Salem who work well with kids?”—let me assure you, yes! With years of experience photographing families and young children, I’ve learned that the best moments happen when kids are allowed to simply be themselves. During this session, we let her son play, explore, and laugh freely. I joined in—telling jokes, playing games, and chasing him through the park with my camera in hand.

When it comes to posing with kids, the key is keeping things simple and fun. Instead of focusing on stiff, traditional poses, I encourage natural movements and genuine connections. For example, asking the kids to interact with their parents, like holding hands, hugging, or even running around together, can create magical moments. I also love capturing candid shots while they’re being themselves—whether that’s jumping, twirling, or simply enjoying the moment. The best photos happen when kids feel comfortable and aren’t forced into unnatural poses.

By keeping the atmosphere light and playful, the parents relaxed, and their kids had a blast. The result? Authentic, joyful images that perfectly captured their connection.

When it was time to focus on Mom, I guided her gently through natural movements and light posing. Her nerves faded, her smile came through, and we captured her authentic self—so much so, she made one of the portraits her new profile picture (and that’s always such a huge compliment!).

This session is a beautiful reminder that great family photos don’t require perfection—just presence, patience, and a little play.

Looking for candid, meaningful family photos in Winston-Salem? Let’s create something beautiful together.