How Being a Nanny Makes Me a Better Photographer

When people ask me why I nannied for years while building my photography business, my first thought is always about the kids themselves. But the deeper answer is about perspective. Being a nanny has shaped the way I see families, children, and the fleeting, beautiful moments that make up a life. It has made me a better photographer because it has given me empathy, patience, and insight into what it truly means to capture a family’s story.

I spent years with the sweetest twins, starting from when they were practically newborns until I had to move from Montana to North Carolina. Watching them grow every day was a privilege, even though, ultimately, I wasn’t their parent. When I receive photos of them from their parents, it feels like a gift. There is joy in seeing them grow, and a little pang of nostalgia, because I know how fast time moves. I realized early on that photography is about holding onto these moments before they slip away. For me, as a nanny, those photos are tangible reminders of the love I was allowed to witness and nurture. That perspective carries over into every family session and wedding I photograph. I understand the value of the images because I’ve lived it—the fleeting, chaotic, beautiful reality of family life.

Understanding Kids in a Way That Helps Families

One of the most practical ways being a nanny informs my photography is how I relate to children. Every child has their own rhythm, their own triggers, and their own ways of showing curiosity or frustration. Sitting down for a Winston-Salem family session, I can read those cues quickly. I know how to engage a toddler without overwhelming them, how to make a shy child feel safe, or how to redirect energy when it starts to tip into chaos. I know a two-year-old cannot sit still for an hour, and I plan around that. I’ve learned that playfulness, patience, and small distractions—like referencing a favorite show such as Bluey—can make a huge difference in capturing genuine smiles.

This experience extends beyond family sessions. At weddings, I can interact with children who might be wandering, bored, or tired, helping parents relax because they know I can guide the moment without stress. I understand nap schedules, snack needs, and emotional shifts. That understanding means I can anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and keep the session flowing naturally. Families often tell me that their kids felt comfortable around me right away, and that trust translates into photos that feel alive and authentic.

The Gift of Patience and Flexibility

Nannying teaches you patience like few other experiences can. Screaming, crying, meltdowns, and tantrums become moments to navigate instead of obstacles to avoid. That patience is invaluable when photographing families or weddings. No two sessions are ever identical, and being able to pivot without stress is what allows me to capture the most meaningful images. I know that life is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes noisy. That perspective helps me empathize deeply with parents preparing for a session. I understand the challenges behind coordinating outfits, timing everyone’s schedules, and keeping children calm while looking their best. It gives me a sense of compassion that goes beyond photography—it’s human understanding.

Seeing the Chaos as Beautiful

Another side effect of nannying is comfort with chaos. A house full of children rarely runs on a strict schedule. Toys are scattered, snacks are dropped, and plans change in an instant. As a photographer, I bring that same calm into every session. Children crying or fussing doesn’t stress me out. I can find beauty in the in-between moments—the small gestures, the unplanned laughter, the candid glances. Often, these are the moments that end up being the most treasured images for families. Learning to embrace unpredictability has made me a photographer who can adapt, anticipate, and still create timeless photos even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Creative Observation and Empathy

Being a nanny also sharpens observation skills in ways that directly inform my photography. I notice the little things: a child’s favorite toy, a parent’s subtle gesture of affection, the way siblings interact naturally. These details become essential when telling a family’s story through photos. I understand that parents are juggling so much in the moment, and I aim to make capturing their family as seamless and stress-free as possible. This empathy comes from living it—understanding both the chaos and the love that coexist in daily life. It helps me create sessions where parents feel seen, children feel comfortable, and the images reflect the genuine rhythm of the family.

Small Bonuses That Make a Difference

There are smaller perks too. Editing photos during nap time has been a quiet joy, a rhythm I can rely on even amidst chaos. And on a more practical note, being flexible, organized, and quick-thinking comes naturally. I can manage multiple personalities and schedules, a skill that carries over when organizing wedding days or coordinating large family sessions. My time as a nanny has been an ongoing lesson in humanity, teaching me that connection matters more than perfection, and authenticity always outweighs posed stiffness.

Why This Experience Makes a Difference for Families

When you hire me as a family or wedding photographer in Winston-Salem, you are not just getting someone with a camera. You are getting someone who understands your family, your children, and the tiny details that make your life uniquely yours. I approach every session with the awareness that every smile, every embrace, every messy, loud, unpredictable moment is worth capturing. My years as a nanny give me the tools to navigate the chaos, empathize with parents, and create images that truly reflect your story.

Final Thoughts

Being a nanny and being a photographer are not separate parts of who I am—they are intertwined. One informs the other in ways that go far beyond skill. It is a perspective that deepens my appreciation for the fleeting, everyday moments that photography allows us to hold onto. It is a privilege to witness families, to see love in its rawest forms, and to capture it in ways that parents will cherish for years to come. My time as a nanny has taught me patience, empathy, adaptability, and an eye for the small details that make life extraordinary. Those lessons become every image I create.