Why a Little PDA Makes for the Best Family Photos
From Ewww to Awe: Why I Photograph Parents Kissing
There’s a familiar moment during my Seattle Eastside family photoshoot sessions when I ask parents to share a smooch. Instantly, the kids will either groan, cover their eyes, or burst into giggles. “Blech!” they might shriek. The little ones like to run in circles while others dive into the frame for a photobomb. Right there, the real magic begins.
What looks like silliness is in my opinion, one of the most meaningful parts of your session. While it might make your kids squirm, a romantic kiss is an act of connection between you and your partner, a reminder of your unique love story - a powerful legacy for your children.
Positive Research Behind the PDA
As it turns out, a little PDA in front of the camera has lasting benefits to your family and generations to come. Research shows that when parents openly share affection, their children thrive.
A longitudinal study of families found that parents who expressed more affection and joy raised children who developed stronger emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience (Barry & Kochanska, 2010).
Another study concluded that the quality of the parents’ relationship itself — whether married or cohabiting — directly influences children’s behavior. Kids in homes where parents reported warmth and support showed fewer behavior problems (Goldberg & Carlson, 2014).
And looking long term, children of parents with higher marital quality went on to pursue more education and delay early marriage, shaping their future opportunities (Brauner-Otto, Axinn & Ghimire, 2020).
In other words: when you kiss in front of your kids, you’re not just showing affection in the moment. You’re modeling what love looks like — kindness, respect, joy — and children carry that into how they form their own relationships later.
Kids Reactions = Pure Gold
Of course, kids don’t think about long-term outcomes when they see you kiss. They roll their eyes, squeal, or collapse in dramatic disgust. And yet, these moments often make the very best photographs. They’re authentic, hilarious, and full of personality.
Years from now, those same kids will look back at these images and see more than their silly reaction. They’ll see evidence of a strong bond, a foundation of love that gave them security — even if it embarrassed them at the time.
Connection in the Chaos
Parenting can feel like a constant cycle of logistics, caregiving, and never-ending to-do lists. I intentionally make my couples pause for a kiss during our photoshoot sessions in order to create a moment where you and your partner can reconnect in the middle of all the family chaos. I believe that these moments matter immensely. Children not only see the love that sustains them, but you as parents get to feel it too.
And while it may seem small, this is exactly the kind of role-modeling that help our children understand how loving partners should treat each other: with warmth, affection, and respect. When your children see your love in action, they’re learning what to expect for themselves.
It’s About Legacy, Not Performance
When I encourage a kiss, it’s not about creating a perfect “pose.” It’s about capturing something true. It’s about joy spilling over, laughter bubbling up, and kids’ honest reactions. Decades from now, I hope that you’ll treasure these photographs not because of how polished they look, but because of how much life and love they hold.
A Final Thought
So if I ask you to kiss during your session, enjoy it to its fullest! It’s about reminding your children — and yourselves — that your family is built on love. It’s about modeling healthy relationships, sparking laughter, and capturing memories that prove love is always at the center ♡
