Let’s talk about overshooting. Some photographers like to keep their image count low and only snap a select few photos during a session, but that’s just not my style—and for good reason. I’m all about capturing the movement, the real moments, the action, and the little in-between laughs that make a session so special. And, to be honest, there’s just no way I could get those authentic, lively shots without taking a lot of images.
Here’s why I believe overshooting is necessary for my photography style and why I’m totally okay with it.

1. Capturing Movement Takes More Shots
When it comes to photographing families—especially when there are kids involved—movement is a huge part of my sessions. Think about it: kids running around, parents tickling their little ones, big belly laughs that come out of nowhere. Those aren’t the kind of moments you can time perfectly with a single click of the shutter. These moments unfold in real-time, and the magic is in the spontaneity. To capture these kinds of actions authentically, I need to shoot extra. If I held back, I’d risk missing that split-second genuine laugh or the perfect hand-holding moment during a family walk.
2. Action Shots Need More Frames
When kids are involved, you know there’s going to be a lot of energy and unpredictability. Running, jumping, twirling—kids are always on the move, and that means I need to be, too. Action shots are some of my favorites, but to capture them properly, I need to shoot continuously. One second can make all the difference in getting a beautifully framed image with just the right emotion or missing the shot entirely.
That’s why I don’t hold back on the shutter. I’d rather have a few extra images to sort through later than risk missing the perfect action shot of a little one mid-laugh or a family dancing together.
3. Multiple People = More Chances for Awkward Faces
When you’re photographing multiple people at once—especially in motion—there are bound to be plenty of shots where not everyone looks like their best self. Someone might have a double chin, closed eyes, or an awkward expression. That’s just part of photographing real life. Overshooting gives me the ability to sift through those frames and make sure I’m delivering the very best photos where everyone looks great. After all, my goal is to give my clients images that make them feel amazing, and to do that, I need options.
4. Every Moment is Different
My goal in every session is to capture authentic, natural interactions between family members, and that means things are always changing. A quick look between siblings, a mom laughing with her baby—these aren’t moments that can be posed or repeated. They happen fast, and they’re over just as quickly. For me, overshooting ensures that I don’t miss those fleeting but powerful moments that tell the true story of a family.
5. I’d Rather Have Options
As much as I strive to get everything just right in-camera, the reality is that not every frame will turn out perfectly. Maybe the lighting shifted, maybe someone blinked, or maybe the composition just didn’t hit the mark. By overshooting, I give myself more flexibility and options when I’m culling through the images afterward. I want to be able to choose from the very best moments and make sure I’m delivering photos that capture the full range of emotions and actions during a session.
6. My Style Relies on Authenticity
I love photographing families in a way that feels real, spontaneous, and natural. To do that, I can’t be too strict about how many images I take. I’d rather overshoot and capture all the unscripted magic than hold back and miss out on those authentic connections that make the photos so meaningful. At the end of the day, my goal is to give my clients images that reflect who they truly are, and that means shooting enough to capture all the little moments in between.

So if you’ve been worrying that you’re taking way too many photos—don’t. It doesn’t reflect negatively on you as a photographer. It doesn’t mean you lack control or professionalism. In fact, when you’re capturing families in motion or dealing with multiple people, overshooting is often necessary to make sure you have those few perfect shots where everyone looks their best. Trust your process, and keep doing what works for you!
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