Minis are chaos.
- Kids don’t have time to warm up.
- You get a handful of digitals that die in the cloud.
- Nothing ends up on your walls.
Here’s the thing…
That's not how I work.
Mini Sessions Aren’t It.
Welcome to Your Product or Course.
Ready for your life to change?
HERE ARE THE PROBLEMS WE'RE FIXING:
1.
Personal Styling, Handled
Let’s be real — styling is the most stressful part of family photos. What works in real life doesn’t always translate in front of a camera. You’re not supposed to know which fabrics photograph best, how to make outfits look cohesive without being matchy-matchy, or how to mix textures so it doesn’t fall flat. That’s my job. I’ve got you covered, head to toe.
2.
A Plan You Don’t Have to Make
You’ve got enough on your plate — the last thing you need is to wonder “what happens next?” I’ll give you a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish. Smooth. Stress-free. No guesswork.
3.
Posing (Without the Awkward)
Nobody wants to feel stiff or fake in front of a camera. I’ll guide you the whole time so you’re never left wondering what to do with your hands, where to look, or how to stand. The end result? Images that look natural, effortless, and actually like you.
Whether your session takes place in my studio or outdoors during the spring and fall, styling is built intentionally around the environment so everything feels cohesive, natural, and effortless on camera.
How does this sound?
A Plan You Don’t Have to Make
01
Design session to style your wardrobe and location around your aesthetic.
02
Choice of prime locations around the St. Louis area, or inside of the studio.
03
Personal styling to create your wardrobe look.
04
Private shooting time resulting in curated galley of 50-60 images.
05
From studio sessions to seasonal outdoor locations, every detail is planned with intention so you can simply show up and enjoy the experience.
Art work design support - from selecting favorites to designing wall art and albums, I’ll guide you through turning your images into finished pieces you’ll actually enjoy every day.
A year from now,
you will have wished
you did this today....
SO LET'S go!!
Sessions are paced slowly enough for kids to settle in and flexible enough to let real moments unfold — whether that’s in the calm, controlled environment of the studio or outside during the short spring and fall window when the light is just right.
You’ll leave with images that deserve a place on your walls — not to die in your iPhone folder.
The Anti-Mini Experience
No Awkward “Stand Here and Smile” Moments
You don’t need another set of stiff photos where everyone looks like they’re held hostage. With me, it’s not about posing for the sake of a picture — it’s about actually living in the moment. I’ll guide you so it feels natural, fun, and (dare I say) easy.
The result? Photos that look like you — not strangers placed into a scene.
Connection Over Posing
Forget the checklist of “stand here, tilt your head, fake laugh.” That’s not what we do here. My job is to get you interacting with your people — laughing, snuggling, chasing, whatever feels like you — so the real connections come through. No awkwardness, no pretending. Just actual moments that tell your story.
This approach works beautifully in both studio sessions and outdoor settings, because connection always matters more than location.
Real, Not Forced
No “say cheese,” no stiff shoulders, no fake smiles. We’re not here for that. I’ll lead you through simple prompts and playful direction that feels effortless. Tickling the kids, whispering secrets, sneaking kisses — it’s about capturing who you are, not forcing who you’re not.
Every image ends up feeling like a memory — not a performance.
Some families love the calm, consistent environment of the studio. Others are drawn to the open air and natural movement of an outdoor session. Both are beautiful — and both are offered here.
Studio sessions are available year-round and designed to feel relaxed, comfortable, and unrushed. The space allows kids to settle in, parents to exhale, and moments to unfold naturally without worrying about weather or distractions.
Outdoor sessions are offered in limited windows during the spring and fall, when the light is soft and the pace can stay easy. These sessions are intentionally scheduled so they feel just as calm and connected — never hurried or chaotic.
What matters most isn’t the setting. It’s how the session feels.
Together, we’ll choose the environment that supports your family best, so you can show up, settle in, and trust that everything has been thoughtfully handled.
Studio & OUTDOOR Sessions
Because where you feel most at ease matters.
hey there!
I'm Laura Stansberry
After years behind the camera, here’s what I know for sure: family and motherhood photos don’t have to be stiff, stressful, or something you dread.
Instead, we’ll laugh, play, and let the real stuff shine through — the snuggles, the belly laughs, the chaos (yes, even that). I’ll guide you so it feels easy, and you’ll walk away wondering why you ever thought photos had to be awkward in the first place.
When you see your gallery, I want your reaction to be: “Okayyy… daaaamn, that’s us?!”
No stress. No stiff posing. Just pure, unfiltered family love — captured forever.
So, ready to make a little magic?
If you want this to be the year that you *finally*:
✓ Capture the real stuff — the love, chaos, laughter, and joy of your family. No stiff poses, just unfiltered moments that actually feel like you.
✓ Stop waiting for “the perfect time.” Show up as you are and finally get in the frame. Your kids don’t care if you lose 10 pounds or if your house isn’t spotless — they just want you.
✓ Create timeless portraits that deserve a spot on your walls, so every day you’re reminded of these fleeting, beautiful seasons.
✓ Ditch the cheesy family photo clichés. This is a fresh, fun, authentic approach that makes everyone feel comfortable and actually enjoy the process.
✓ Give your kids the gift of belonging — showing them, in photos, that they matter and that they’re seen in every stage of their story.
✓ Invest in memories that matter. This isn’t just about photos, it’s about creating artwork that carries your family’s story forward.
✓ Create portraits you’re proud to display — whether that’s modern studio artwork or seasonal outdoor images.
This is for you if:
You want real, authentic photos — the kind that capture who your family actually is.
You’re ready to laugh, play, and enjoy the process instead of stressing about it.
You see the value in portraits that last a lifetime (and actually get displayed, not lost in the cloud).
✗ You’re just looking for the cheapest option and don’t care about quality.
✗ You’re chasing “perfect” instead of letting your family just be.
It's probably not for you if...
✗ You’re not willing to embrace a little chaos, fun, and spontaneity to get the magic.
FAQ'S
What if my kids don’t cooperaTE?
First of all — they’re kids. “Not cooperating” is basically their job description. Don’t stress. I’m a pro at handling wild toddlers, shy kiddos, and yes… even reluctant husbands. I’ll guide the chaos into genuine moments, and I promise you’ll end up with photos you love — chaos, giggles, meltdowns and all.
Do you provide wardrobe styling for the sESSION?
Absolutely. Styling is a core part of the experience. I’ll help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully, feel comfortable, and work within the studio or outdoor setting — without overthinking or second-guessing.
What happens if it rains DAY OF?
We live in the Midwest — weather is unpredictable. I always plan with flexibility in mind, whether that means adjusting timing, shifting locations, or moving into the studio. You’ll never be left scrambling.
Can I add professional hair & makeup?
Yes — and honestly, I recommend it. You get to show up, sit back, and let my artist take care of you before your session. It’s the fastest way to feel incredible walking into your shoot — and it makes the whole experience feel that much more special.