In-home family photography session in Austin, Texas

There are moments in your journey that feel especially meaningful - moments where you pause and realize just how far you’ve come.

The retreat was hosted by the incredibly talented photographer and educator Sabrina Gebhardt, who creates such a thoughtful and encouraging space for photographers to learn, grow, and connect in her Root to Rise Mastermind. Building community is her super power. With a small group of just four photographers attending, it created an intimate environment where everyone could ask questions, observe closely, and truly dive into the experience.

In the fall of 2024, I attended my first Root to Rise retreat as a student, eager to learn, grow, and soak in every bit of wisdom I could from the incredible photographers around me. I was inspired by the community, the encouragement, and the space it created for photographers to grow both creatively and personally. So much so that I chose to enroll in Sabrina’s mastermind again and attend my second Root to Rise retreat in early 2025.

This year felt different in the most beautiful way.

This time, I was invited back as a guest expert and educator, leading an in-home family session and sharing about creating a thoughtful, elevated client experience. Standing in front of a room of talented photographers, I felt incredibly honored, and honestly, deeply grateful, to now be the one pouring into others the way so many photographers have poured into me.

My heart is still so full from this experience.

Leading an In-Home Family Session

One of the highlights of the retreat was leading a live in-home family session for a wonderful family of five. As an in-home family and newborn photographer based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, these types of sessions are truly where my heart comes alive.

Real life is always welcome during my sessions and sometimes real life includes unexpected moments.

The night before our session, the family’s little girl sadly broke her arm. Despite this, the family was still so excited to continue with their session, and it became an opportunity to gently navigate how to keep her comfortable while still creating meaningful images.

She spent much of the session cuddled up on her mom’s lap, which honestly made the moments even sweeter. It was a beautiful reminder that connection matters so much more than perfection.

Navigating Challenging Light During an In-Home Session

Another unexpected challenge that day was the weather.

Typically, I reschedule in-home family sessions when cloud coverage exceeds about 60%, because natural light is such an important part of my work. On the day of this session, however, we were facing nearly 90% cloud coverage.

Since the retreat schedule meant this was our only opportunity to photograph the session, we moved forward and it turned into a wonderful teaching moment.

I walked the photographers through how I look for the best pockets of light within a home, how I position families near windows, and how small adjustments in angle can make a significant difference in the final image.

Sometimes the most valuable lessons happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.

You can read more about how I look for in-home light here.

Mom laying down on her back with her head on her husband's lap while she is playing with her kids during an in-home family session in Austin, Texas.

Creating Connection during a Family Session

During the session, I also shared how I approach posing families in a way that feels natural and relaxed.

Rather than focusing on stiff poses, I gently guide families into positions that feel comfortable and then encourage them to play, connect, and interact with one another. Those little in-between moments - the laughter, the cuddles, the playful chaos - are where the magic truly happens.

One of the things the photographers shared afterward was how much they loved seeing how I start with simple guidance and then allow space for connection and creativity to unfold naturally.

Those authentic moments are always the ones families treasure the most.

Dad holding boy on his shoulders and mom holding little girl on her arms, standing by a window during an family session in Austin, Texas.

Elevating the Client Experience

Another part of my time at Root to Rise was spent sharing something I’m deeply passionate about: creating a meaningful, high-end client experience.

From the first inquiry to the final gallery delivery, every step of the experience can be intentionally designed to help families feel cared for, supported, and celebrated.

We talked about how small details - clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and guiding clients with confidence -can transform a photography session into something that feels truly special for the families we serve.

Helping photographers refine this part of their business is something I absolutely love.

Dad holding his little boy upside down and they're laughing during an in-home family session in Austin, Texas.

A Full Circle Moment

Attending Root to Rise in the past poured so much encouragement and inspiration into my own journey as a photographer.

This year, having the opportunity to stand on the other side - to share, guide, and encourage other photographers - felt incredibly meaningful.

Teaching and mentoring photographers has become something that brings me so much joy. Watching others grow in their artistry, build confidence in their work, and move closer to the vision they have for their photography businesses is truly an honor.

My heart left Austin feeling deeply grateful for the community, the connections, and the opportunity to pour into others the way so many photographers once poured into me.

Mom sitting by a window with her three kids on her lap during an in-home family session in Austin, Texas.

What Family Photographers Learned During the Session

During the session, photographers had the opportunity to observe and learn about:

How to confidently lead an in-home family session
Finding natural light even on heavily overcast days
Holding space for natural interactions to unfold
Guiding families into connection and playful interaction
Creating images that feel authentic and emotionally connected

If you’d like to learn more about how I create space for connection during family photos, you can read about my top 5 ideas to photograph kids here.

Why I Love Teaching Other Family Photographers

Over the years, photography has given me so much more than beautiful images - it has given me community, encouragement, and mentors who helped shape the way I approach both my art and my business. Being able to now step into the role of educator and pour into other photographers feels incredibly meaningful. I truly love helping photographers grow in their confidence, refine their vision, and build businesses that align with the life they want to create. Watching someone have those “lightbulb moments” during a session or conversation is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey for me.

For Female Photographers Interested in Mentorship

If you’re a photographer who wants to refine your approach to in-home family photography, create a more elevated client experience, or grow in your artistry and confidence, I would love to support you.

You can learn more about my mentorship offerings here.