5 Reasons Single Parent Families Should Create Amazing Family Photo Memories

Are Family Photo Sessions for Single Parents? Absolutely.

As a San Francisco family photographer, I often hear from single parents who ask, “Do you work with single-parent families?” My answer? A resounding YES. Whether you're a solo mom, solo dad, co-parenting, or navigating this journey in your own unique way—your family deserves to be seen, celebrated, and beautifully documented.

Family photography isn’t reserved just for couples with two kids and a golden retriever. It’s for your family too - exactly as you are. I’m going to tell you why…

1) Nothing Is Missing At Single Parent Photo Sessions

One less parent at a session… honestly makes no difference at all. 😉 All the same things happen: everyone shows up looking snazzy and a little nervous, midway through the session the silliness comes out, and by the end of the session everyone (including me) is high on laughter and excited about what we captured. There is never a single moment that feels lacking.

I remember well one of the sessions featured in this blog post, I was photographing a mom and her two kids at Ring Mountiain. The kids arrived in wild hyena mode, she was trying to keep it all together, and within a few minutes we were all laughing. We captured playful, connected, joyful images that told the story of their bond. Not once did I think, “Something is missing here.” Because nothing was.

2) Your Kids Want and Deserve Family Photos With You

This is a big one! Just because you are no longer together with your kids’ other parent doesn’t change the fact that your kids are continuing to make family memories. Part of that memory bank is photographs. Just as you treasure images from your own childhood showing you with one or both of your parents, your kids will do the same. In fact, I’d say being a single parent is even more of a reason to have family photos made. To say to your kids, to yourself, to your community - we are here, we are together, and we have everything we need.

I know many single parents feel like they have to be everything at once—the planner, the disciplinarian, the fun one, the photographer. But during our session? You get to just be. Laugh with your kids. Hug them close. Let someone else (me!) take care of capturing it all. Besides, you deserve to be in the photos too. Years from now, they'll look back and see your face right there beside theirs. That matters so much.

3) This Chapter Deserves to Be Documented

Even if life feels messy, hectic, or in transition, this chapter of your family’s story is still beautiful. I’d argue it’s worth being documented and remembered. You don’t need to wait until things feel “settled” or “perfect” to take family photos. (Spoiler: there’s no such thing as the perfect moment.)

Whether you’re navigating solo parenthood for the first time, co-parenting with grace, or managing a house full of big emotions and even bigger laundry piles, you’re showing up every day. And that deserves to be documented. These aren’t just photos, they’re a way to hold on to this season of life, with all its grit and its growth.

4) Professional Photos Build Confidence for You and Your Kids

There’s something powerful about being seen, like really and truly seen. For kids, having framed photos of their family on the wall can reinforce their sense of identity and belonging. It sends the message: we are a unit, and this is what love looks like. For you, the parent, being in front of the camera (instead of always behind it) can be surprisingly healing.

You may not always feel like you’re “doing enough” - most parents don’t - but photos have a way of showing you what’s real. They can show how fiercely you love, how much fun you have, and how connected your little pod is. You’ll walk away from our session not just with beautiful images, but with a renewed sense of pride in your role and your story.

5) You’re Already Doing the Hard Work, So Let Someone Else Capture the Joy

Let’s be honest: parenting solo is hard. You’re often the scheduler, the chef, the chauffeur, the emotional anchor, and usually the one taking the pictures, too. A family photo session is your chance to hit pause and let someone elsehandle the logistics.

You don’t need to stress about whether your kids will cooperate (they will!) or whether you’ll know how to pose (you don’t have to!). After more than 14 years in business and more than 1300 photo sessions, I know how to receive whatever family energy is thrown my way and find the beauty in it. Your only job is to show up and love on your kids.

Final Thought: Any Type of Family Is Right for a Family Photography Session

I can’t uplift single parent families without mentioning other types of families that look different than the most common, heterosexual, two-parent type. Same-sex couples, throuples, blended families, and kinship families are often underrepresented in the niche of family photography. I wish this wasn’t true. If you are part of a non-traditional or underrepresented family and you want celebratory and vibrant images of your family, get in touch! I would love to meet your crew! 😍