Today’s guest is the absolute gem of a human being: Corrie Butler. Whether you’re a family photographer or just want to learn about what to look for in a photographer with your own family photos, you’re in the right spot. To be honest…we would even say ANY photographer could also learn and listen from this episode. There are so many priceless nuggets of wisdom here on the client experience, communication, and interaction. 

Today Corrie spilled ALL her wisdom on how to avoid cheesy JCPenney-style photos, what steps you should take to prepare your clients for their session ahead of time, how to get clients comfortable on the actual shoot, and what to say before ever pulling out your camera, how to approach interacting with younger kids who aren’t always the most reliable in behavior, her favorite poses for older teens or kids during family sessions, and SO. MUCH. MORE. 

 

Corrie’s Story 

Corrie is a Boise, Idaho-based mom of two boys, and a teacher turned photographer running her full-time family photography business from home. Corrie specializes in family photography and finds joy in capturing the real and raw moments that unfold during her sessions. Her style is pretty much the exact opposite of those stiff, hyper-posed awkward JC Penney catalog family photos. So we wanted to have her on the show today to really dive into how to create family photos that are rich in feeling and storytelling vs. cliche and overdone.

 

Getting into family photography

Corrie started in a way that many photographers began. She left her career of teaching elementary education for five years after her firstborn to be home with him. She knew she needed to preserve those moments with him and after a lot of self-hyping up, she started documenting the little moments. It brought Corrie so much joy and she became pretty passionate. It brought her to shoot for friends and everything. Seniors, newborns, couples, families, and even a dog birthday party. It was all for free and fun and it didn’t take long to realize what came more naturally and what she loved- which was families. 

 

Photographing families in a non-cheesy way

As simplistic as it may seem to get those candid moments, there is so much that goes into it. Corrie works really hard to create an environment where everyone feels at ease. It is more of an adventurous playdate in nice outfits. The prep work begins with that first initial stop at her website or Instagram page. She wants them to know who she is, what she does, and how she can serve them. 

It helps weed out the clients that might not be a good fit for the style of photography she does. It’s okay to not be for everyone. 

After they have signed the contract and are in, Corrie will send them her welcome guide. In there Corrie paints a picture of what her sessions entail. You’re helping them be put at ease. There is a page in her welcome guide that says “no cheese please”. Corrie likes to call her shoots controlled chaos. The more you can set them up for success with their expectations, the better. 

 

General rules or guidelines

It’s all about confidence. You need the parents to understand that you are in control and you just need them to show up. The hardest part for a parent in a session should be, picking and coordinating outfits. And even that a lot of photographers will have a hand in that. If the parents can just get there, the rest is up to the photographer. It is your job as the photographer to have confidence in what you are doing and run the show. You have to be on. Show up, give it all that you got for that family and help them prepare ahead of time. So that when they show up they know exactly what’s going to happen, during, after and they can just be. 

 

Prompts for more grown-up families

Being able to give really intentional prompts so that every single family member can follow along. You still need to tap into who they are as human beings. They have to trust you, just like the younger ones. Get their guard down and you’ll have an easier time getting those authentic moments. The pep talk matters even more with older kids because they are listening. 

 

What’s your favorite photo prompt you tell your families that create the post-authentic pose? 

Have them seated and Eskimo kisses. I wouldn’t ask a 15-year-old to do that, but it always leads to sweet sincere moments. 

 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in business?

Boundaries. They are such a powerful tool that we have to have as a business owner. Mindfully create them, honor them, and hold no shame or guilt for abiding by those boundaries. Without them, a business can be so hard and taxing. 

 

What’s your favori book you recently read? 

The Magic Tree House Series 

 

 

 

Show notes

How to Niche Down: www.theheartuniversity.com/niche

 

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Follow along with Corrie: 

www.instagram.com/corriebutlerphotography

www.corriebutlerphotography.com

 

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