Family of four standing together on a tree-lined road during fall in North Georgia, surrounded by golden autumn leaves

Gainesville Family Photographer

Brittni, the Family photographer steps in front of the camera

A Gainesville Family Photographer on insecurity, softness, and being seen

All photos in this blog were taken by Photos by Sarah Mitchell and edited by me!

Gainesville Family Photographer mother holding her daughter’s hand during a family photo session with father and son in the background at golden hour.

Most days, I live behind the lens.
Wait and watch light fall just right.
I notice the way a mama’s shoulders relax when her baby settles into her chest.
I wait for the moment someone forgets I’m there.

As a family photographer, holding space for others comes naturally.
But when the camera turns toward me, everything in my body tightens.

There’s an irony in that, isn’t there?
Someone who encourages families to be brave in front of the camera… struggling to do the very same thing herself.

If I’m being honest, though, I don’t think I’m alone in that.

Gainesville Family Photographer, Young girl walking down a tree-lined path during a family photo session wearing a floral dress at golden hour.

Gainesville Family Photographer, teen boy leaning against a wooden fence during a family photo session at golden hour.

The Quiet Insecurities We Carry as a Photographer

I understand how to pose you.
I know which angles flatter.
I’ve learned how to use light to soften, to tell a story, to show you at your very best.

Still, when I’m the one being photographed, I suddenly notice everything.

My smile feels forced.
My body feels unfamiliar.
Thoughts surface that I would never allow a client to say about themselves.

That moment — standing there — reminds me just how vulnerable this experience truly is, whether you’re booking a session with a me or just stepping in front of a camera for the first time in years.

Gainesville Family Photographer holding hands with husband during a family photo session standing in an open field at golden hour.

Gainesville Photographers Family smiling during a family photo session at golden hour.

What Standing In Front Of The Has Taught Me As a Family Photographer

Each time I step in front of the camera, I’m reminded that my job is about more than taking photos.

It’s about creating safety.
Slowing things down matters.
Gentle reminders go a long way — especially the ones that say you don’t need to perform.

There’s no need to be smaller.
No pressure to be quieter.
No expectation to be “better.”

Presence is enough.

Those moments of discomfort shape how I show up for the families I photograph here in Gaiesville — more patient, more aware, and more tender.

Why I Photograph the Way I Do

These insecurities haven’t disqualified me from this work.
They’ve shaped it.

They’re why I talk you through what to do with your hands.
Why I let moments unfold instead of forcing smiles.
Why reassurance comes easily when your kids are wild or your hair won’t cooperate.

As a family photographer, I know what it feels like to wonder if you’re doing it “right.”

What I also know — deep in my bones — is that the photos you’ll treasure most won’t be the perfect ones.

They’ll be the honest ones.

Being Seen Anyway

Lately, I’m learning to let myself be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Sometimes that means stepping out from behind the camera when it would feel easier to stay hidden.

The same grace I extend to my clients is the grace I’m learning to offer myself.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a camera and felt unsure…
If you’ve ever wondered whether you were enough as you are…

Please know this:
I understands more than you think.

And I promise — I’m not looking for perfection.

This Gainesville family photographer is looking for you.