Family Photography Tips And Inspirations With Miranda North

As a photography loving blogger, I know how invaluable family sessions are. Photographs not only capture memories, but also those little moments of our children’s lives that pass by too quickly.

Over the years I’ve worked with many talented photographers to capture my family’s special moments. One of my favorite photographer by far, is Miranda North because of her soft, neutral and airy aesthetic that’s sophisticated yet never overdone. Her photos are beautiful, simple and timeless as you will see in this post.

This is one of my favorite photos as a family of five. Isn’t it gorgeous? She captured my family’s essence so well and I’m in love with the soft and muted color palette. My daughters and I felt like fairies this day with our pretty floral crowns (available for purchase through Miranda) next to our handsome men (Big D and Little D).

Why I like Miranda North Photography

1. 1. Her consistent and cohesive style and color scheme (you know exactly what you’re getting)
   2. Her bright and clean studio that’s perfect for newborn, maternity and family photography
   3. Her extensive wardrobe of beautiful, flowy dresses for moms (maternity and non-maternity)
   4. Her vibrant, bubbly personality that’s great for young babies and kids
   5. Her amazing talent and eye as a photographer

Meet Miranda North

Today I’m delighted to bring you this exclusive interview with the talented Miranda North from Miranda North Photography of Long Beach, CA. By the end of the post, you will get to know not only her work but also her inspirations, aspirations and suggestions for beautiful and timeless photography!

1) How long have you been taking photos and what inspired you to begin?

As far back as my friends will tell you, they always remember a camera in my hand. (Back then, it was those disposable wind up cameras!) I’ve always loved photography but I truly love portraiture. I started taking photos with my first DSLR camera in 2007, and as cheesy as this sounds, I just loved taking great photos of others. I loved seeing my friends love a picture of themselves and their loved ones.

What truly inspires and drives me is this–capturing the beauty of each person, posing them at their best and bringing out those special details.

What truly inspires and drives me is this–capturing the beauty of each person, posing them at their best and bringing out those special details.

2) Any tips for having a successful family photo shoot?

Tip 1: Find a photographer you love

If I had to narrow it down to three… my first one would be, find a photographer whose style you love. There are so many styles out there from candid, posed, light and airy to dark and moody. They are all unique and beautiful in their own way, so it’s important to pair up with someone whose work you want to see in your home.

It can restrict a photographer more if you come to them with someone else’s work you want to copy, which can end up in disappointment–so go with someone whose work you love the way it is!

It can restrict a photographer more if you come to them with someone else’s work you want to copy, which can end up in disappointment–so go with someone whose work you love the way it is!

Tip 2: Don’t expect your children to be perfect and don’t stress

Don’t stress and expect your children to be perfect. As a baby/family photographer, I know what to expect and any other family and baby photographer will as well. We expect and WELCOME tantrums, tears, running, jumping, shoes falling off, hair getting messed up, and everything else in between.

Don’t stress and expect your children to be perfect. We expect and WELCOME tantrums, tears, running, jumping, shoes falling off, hair getting messed up, and everything else in between.

In most shoots these things do happen, and in the end results are still great. The more you stress, the more it will show in your pictures, so try to just roll with it!

Tip 3: Less is more

Lastly less is more. It may be tempting to bring out all their favorite toys, blankets, snacks, etc. but this can be more distracting at the shoot.

3) Any tips for styling for a photo shoot?

It varies photographer to photographer, but for me I like colors to flow together, almost melting into one color palette.

4) How do you balance motherhood and creative work? What is your biggest advice?

Boundaries, bottom line. Being a mom is my #1 priority, work comes second. If it were as black and white as that though, this wouldn’t be such a hot topic amongst working moms, right? The truth is, it isn’t as easy as it is written down but it can be made to work with setting boundaries for yourself.

I make sure to not start work until a certain hour, and also check out of work at certain hour to be 100% with my kiddos when we are together. On my days off, its my day off. Although it can be tempting just to catch up on things, its best not to to avoid a burn out.

I make sure to not start work until a certain hour, and also check out of work at certain hour to be 100% with my kiddos when we are together. On my days off, its my day off. Although it can be tempting just to catch up on things, its best not to to avoid a burn out.

I also make sure to maintain my own creative outlets outside of photography which helps me feel inspired and refreshed. For me, this involves cooking!

Here are some more photos she took for our family when Baby D was about 9 months old. It’s one of my favorite shoots thus far!

Thank you Miranda for taking the time to share your story and talent with us!