Hi there! I'm Bethie - a motherhood photographer for busy moms in Gilbert, Arizona who really want to have beautiful family photos captured and displayed all around their homes. I offer my full-service photography experience where I walk them through everything from wardrobe assistance, hair & makeup, to ordering artwork so they can enjoy having these stunning family photos on display all throughout their home.
that awkward Costco kiosk moment ...
Published 24 days ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader—
You’ve been there.
The first 10 steps inside Costco, and there’s always someone stationed like a human bear trap—clipboard in hand—waiting to sell you something.
And no matter how many other people are around, they somehow lock eyes with you. (It’s a gift, I know 💅🏼)
“You looking for a new phone plan today?”
… ay yi yi.
I just came for chicken nuggets.
Most of us spot the clipboard and instantly pretend to text someone. Or we power-walk past like we’re late for a meeting.
Red flag energy. 🚩
Because persuasion? → For most of us, it's not about hearing the right thing. → It’s about what's going on between the ears.
And it’s the same with your kids … Except for kids can feel red flags faster than adults can.
And when you unintentionally send red flag warning signals, you risk losing your kid’s interest in photos before the camera is even out.
The second they sense:
“Smile.” “No, not like that.” “Stand here.” “Don’t do that.”
They shut down.
Its kind of like how when I was first starting my business and learning how to use my camera.
I’d get this question constantly from family friends wanting to hire me:
“So… how are you going to make the kids actually smile?”
At first, I’d launch into convince mode.
“I’ve done this a million times.” “I’ve worked with tons of kids.” “I know all the tricks.”
But I realized something.
Parents didn’t need a performance from me.
They needed reassurance.
So I learned the power of the pause & listen.
1 second ... 2 second ... ~breath~
And then I’d say:
“Actually… if you have sweet kids, it’s not about making them do anything. A little encouragement goes a long way—even with high-energy, active, totally normal kiddos.”
The response? Shoulders drop. Face relaxes. The tension—gone.
Because instead of waving green flags about my experience, I removed the red flag kids fear most:
🚩 Being managed.
🚩 Being corrected.
🚩 Being told they’re doing it wrong.
Here’s what I do instead:
For little ones? I get low so they can see my eyes and my smile. I show them how the camera works. I invite them in.
For big kids? I talk to them like grown ups. I spend a few minutes getting to know them, listening to them. I hear their ideas.
And slowly, I watch them step up.
They get excited. They want to participate. They start believing they’re good at this.
📣 And when mom and dad become cheerleaders behind me—not directors?
That’s when they soar! And the session really becomes fun …
The photos we get aren’t forced smiles.
They’re confident smiles. Proud smiles. Smiles that look like them.
But the best part?
Weeks later, kids still remember how good they felt taking the photos.
That’s the real win. 🎉🏆
If you’ve ever worried your kids won’t smile (or at least not for you 😉), ask yourself:
“Am I accidentally waving red flags?”
Because great family photos aren’t just about light and background blur.
They’re about how it felt to be there. 🤍
Warmly,
P.S. Spring Minis are designed for real-life kids—wiggles, giggles, and all. If you want photos where they feel proud instead of posed, there are still a few spots left. I’d love to see your crew there.
And if you have questions about whether minis are a good fit for your family, hit reply! I'm happy to chat!
Carly & Noah are the sweetest people ... their session felt like it flew by! I could have stayed and visited with them all afternoon.
They are expecting their first, a little boy in mid July! We were laughing that this may be one of their last easy photo sessions for a while. So, we enjoyed not yet having to worry about a fussing little one, spit up, and having a “just in case” outfit in the diaper bag!
Wes & Sarah welcomed little Ava, their second little girl, into the world on January 14th!! And it was so wonderful to get to photograph her newborn photos!
There is something special about in-home sessions! I think it is the realness of it, that I love most. It’s not perfectly staged or posed … it’s playful & candid. It is what life actually looks like for you in this season & the goal is to capture that as much as possible.
... Because this season with a newborn & a three- year-old will go by so quickly!
But my favorite part of the sessions? Getting to spend the afternoon Charlotte, who is *the best* big sister!
She & I were fast friends! From her helping me photograph Ava’s nursery with her toy camera, to counting her graham crackers
… she even ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug after taking photos!
→ You want a good, long session to give you the time & space to capture the photos you love without the hurry that comes with a petite session.
→ You want more than just the standard photo that any photographer can take -- you want photos that are unique to your family & tell your story a bit more.
→ You want photos that have more creativity, fun composition, and a nice mix of candid & posed photos ... those types of photos come by giving me more time to workshop & play around during the session!
You're receiving this email because you opted in at BethieGrondin.com or joined me for a BGP Event and want more tips sent straight to your inbox. You can likely also put up with the occasional Gilmore Girls & coffee reference. Please note that this email may contain some affiliate links. I may get a small kickback from the referrals but I only recommend tools used in my own life.
Hi there! I'm Bethie - a motherhood photographer for busy moms in Gilbert, Arizona who really want to have beautiful family photos captured and displayed all around their homes. I offer my full-service photography experience where I walk them through everything from wardrobe assistance, hair & makeup, to ordering artwork so they can enjoy having these stunning family photos on display all throughout their home.
