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Embracing Empathy in Family Photography

Two girls in yellow dresses sit together, with one kissing the other's cheek, smiling.
Photographed by Thomas | © 2020 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

Introduction: Embracing Empathy in Family Photography

Photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about capturing emotions, stories, and the unique dynamics of each family. At TK Photography, we understand that every family comes with its own set of experiences and expectations. Recognizing this, we strive to create an environment where every family feels welcomed and valued, no matter their story. In this blog, we delve into how an empathetic, child-centered approach can transform family photography sessions into memorable experiences.

Understanding and Adapting to Family Dynamics

Every family that steps into our studio brings a unique set of experiences. Some of our most cherished clients include neurodiverse children and those with special needs. These families often tell us they choose TK Photography because we truly see their child and meet them where they are.

Our focus is not on capturing a preconceived image of who a child should be, but on embracing and highlighting who they are. We believe in capturing the authentic spirit and personality of every child, understanding that beauty and joy are found in the genuine moments of connection and expression.

It’s our privilege to create a space where children can be themselves, without the pressure of expectations. We find that when children are comfortable and free to express themselves, the photos capture not just a moment, but the essence of who they are.

Creating a Welcoming Environment for All Families

At TK Photography, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that is not just welcoming but also understanding of each family’s unique journey. We know that the moments leading up to a photography session can be filled with unexpected challenges. Whether it’s sleep deprivation, the stress of planning, or the unpredictability of a child’s mood, we are prepared and empathetic.

Our philosophy is simple: families should feel welcomed exactly as they are. There’s no need for pretense or worry about fitting a certain mold. We celebrate the chaos, the unplanned moments, and the spontaneous laughter that often accompany family sessions. This approach allows us to relieve stress for families, assuring them that we are here to capture their real, unfiltered joy.

Capturing the Unique Joy and Character of Each Family

Our goal in every session is to capture the true joy and character of each family. We understand that these moments do not occur in isolation. The days and hours before the session, the tiny but significant events in a family’s life, all contribute to the story we aim to capture through our lenses.

We are not just photographers; we are storytellers who use our cameras to celebrate the uniqueness of each family. We recognize that the beauty of a family photo lies not in perfection, but in capturing the genuine essence of relationships and individual personalities.

A Special Note on Professionalism and Adaptability

Professionalism in family photography extends beyond technical skill with a camera. It encompasses the ability to adapt to the unique needs and dynamics of each family. This adaptability is especially crucial when working with neurodiverse children or those with special needs.

We approach each session with a flexible mindset, ready to adjust our techniques to suit the comfort and preferences of each child and family. Our team is trained to recognize and respect the individuality of every child, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

Photographed by Sam | © 2019 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, at TK Photography, we believe in the power of photography to capture the beauty of every family’s story. Our empathetic, child-centered approach has been recognized and appreciated by families and educational institutions alike.

If you are looking for a photographer who sees and appreciates the unique beauty of your child, or if you are a photographer who believes in a child-centered, empathetic approach, we invite you to contact us. Join us in our journey to capture the real, joyful essence of every family.

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Our Journey: Business, Community and Love Across Two Cities

Family of four sitting by a camper van on a sunny day, with trees in the background.

Table of Contents

Two children on scooters and an adult walk along a path near a lake with a city skyline backdrop.

From “Just Passing Through” to “Dang, We Live Here Now

When we first rolled up to Austin, we were supposed to be here for a little bit. A quick pit stop in Vanlife. A “Hey, let’s check this out and head back home” situation. But then, BOOM—next thing we know, we got Texas plates, our kids are saying “y’all,” and we’re googling the best brisket spots like it’s our full-time job. Somewhere along the way, it hit us—we didn’t just move here for a bit. We MOVED.

BUT if you’re wondering if we really left, well… Thomas still spends about 50% of the year in Chicago. So technically, we have shared custody of him with the State of Illinois. 😆 (and those Southwest points are off the charts!) Plus, the kids and I wouldn’t trade Chicago summers for anything—Lollapalooza, Stages Chicago, Macaroni Kid Chicago Midtown and all the city vibes… while Austin is out here feeling like the surface of the sun at 105°. 😎🔥

Home Ain’t Just a Zip Code

For us, home has never been about a spot on the map. It’s about the people. The real ones who hold you down, no matter where you are. Our Chicago crew—our team, our partners, our clients—you’re the reason TK Photography is still thriving, even when our family needed to plant some roots in Austin. Y’all showed up for us, supported us, and let us keep doing what we love, from wherever we are. That kind of love? You don’t take it for granted.

Keeping Our Chicago Hustle, Adding Some Austin Spice

We’re out here balancing two worlds like a circus act. We still got that Midwest hustle—never late, always grinding, and yes, we WILL still judge deep-dish haters. But Austin has definitely rubbed off on us. We haven’t fully gone cowboy mode yet (OK, Tiana has the boots, but let’s not get carried away), but we have learned to appreciate tacos at literally any time of day. And queso? Let’s just say it’s officially a food group in this house.

Vanlife taught us something big: community is bigger than where you lay your head. It’s the people you love, the connections you build, and the roots you grow—even if they’re stretched across cities and time zones. We’re committed to keeping those Chicago ties STRONG while letting Austin add its own weird, wonderful magic to our journey.

Shoutout to Our Day Ones

To every single person who has supported us—our Chicago team, our clients, our partners, our new Austin family—WE SEE YOU. We appreciate you. Because of y’all, we can make this work. Flights and business trips? Just another Tuesday for us. We’ll hop on a plane, jump on a call, or make whatever moves we need to keep TK Photography right where it’s supposed to be: within reach, no matter the miles.

16 Years and Counting—And We’re Just Getting Started

After 16 years in this game, we’ve seen it all. We’ve photographed newborns who are now getting ready for their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. We’ve walked into homes where our baby photos are hanging next to our school portraits of the same kids. We’ve captured weddings, and now we’re snapping pics of those same couples with their growing families. Not to mention the countless career changes, life pivots, and glow-ups we’ve had the honor of documenting along the way.

Us Along the Way

We built TK Photography with sweat, passion, and a commitment to the people we serve. And that commitment? It’s not going anywhere. Whether we’re shooting in Chicago, Austin, or somewhere in between (Hey, Nashville!), just know—we’re always here, always connected, and always ready to capture the moments that matter.

Our world keeps getting bigger, and we have no idea where life is taking us next. But whatever happens, we’re rolling with it, arms wide open, and we hope you’ll stick with us on this crazy ride.

Thank you for being part of our journey—and for letting us be part of yours.

Cosmic Campground, NM

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How We Make School Picture Day Easy for Schools AND Parents (Yes, Both!)

Let’s be real: school picture day could easily turn into chaos, right? You’ve got kids who refuse to smile, parents wondering if they remembered picture day, and teachers juggling it all. But don’t worry—TK Photography has this down to a science. We’re here to make it easy for everyone, whether you’re running the school or just trying to get your kid to brush their hair that morning.”

What We Do for Schools (Spoiler: It’s A LOT):

When we say we’ve got schools covered, we mean it. Here’s the deal:

We Show Up FREE of Charge

For schools that don’t require images for in-school use, we bring our cameras, equipment, and expertise at no cost. Yes, FREE—schools don’t pay a single penny. Our income comes entirely from photo sales to parents.

Tiered Discounts for Schools That Need More

If your school needs additional services like images for yearbooks, IDs, databases, or composite files, we offer a generous tiered discount based on student photo sales:

  • Discounts range from 10% to 100%!
  • These discounts cover essential services such as:
    • ID and database photos
    • Class composite files for school use
    • Yearbook images (we even send formatted files ready for yearbook companies)
    • A Discount for Faculty and staff headshots schedule outside of Picture Day (relaxing photos during an in-service day?)

We Handle the Logistics

Your school sets the picture day schedule and informs parents—we’ll take it from there. From organizing the photoshoot to sending out galleries and reminders to parents, we ensure everything runs smoothly. Stress-free for you? Absolutely.

Minimum Photo Orders (Sometimes)

In rare cases, we may ask for a minimum number of photo orders to cover our costs. But beyond that, our goal is to support schools, make Picture Day effortless, and provide stunning, quality images.

What We Do for Parents (Because We’ve Got You, Too):
Let’s talk about how we make life easier for parents:

  1. We edit EVERY photo we deliver. That means no odd lighting or distracting details—just your kid’s personality shining through. Whether it’s a sweet smile, a silly grin, or that classic “I’m over this” look, we make sure every photo is polished and ready to be treasured.
  2. We give you options. Forget the old “one photo with a cheesy background” situation. We provide multiple unique images so you can pick the ones you love.
  3. We deliver right to your door. No more worrying about photo packets getting smooshed in backpacks or lost along the way. Zenfolio handles direct-to-home shipping, —no hassle, no drama.

Why We Do It:
Here’s the truth: school photos are more than just pictures. They’re snapshots of milestones, moments, and memories that families will look back on for years. That’s why we go the extra mile—for schools, for parents, and for the kids who might not realize how much these photos will mean later.

At the end of the day, we’re here to make school picture day a win for everyone. Schools don’t have to worry, parents get amazing photos, and kids? Well, they just have to show up with their best smile (or at least try). Thanks for letting us be part of your community—we can’t wait to capture even more memories this year!