Turning Middle Fingers into Memories – A Session with Alissa and Her Boys
by Sweet AF Photography – Telford, Pennsylvania Family Photographer
When I got Alissa’s questionnaire, I knew this session was going to be one for the books. She’s a mom to five boys—Tommy (26), Jeremy (21), Gavin (19), and twins Luke and Liam (14)—and if you’ve ever tried to get a group of teenage-and-up boys to smile for the camera, you already know that’s no small task. But let me tell you something: this family? Totally worth it.
Alissa warned me from the start:
“They like to put their middle fingers up in every picture I take… They dislike getting their picture taken. Hope you can work magic on these boys???”
Challenge accepted.
From the minute we started, I could feel the brotherly energy—teasing, joking, giving each other a hard time in the most loving, hilarious way. They didn’t want to do anything too posed or serious, and that’s okay, because what we did capture was something even better: real moments of connection, laughter, and just enough cooperation to get Mom the photos she’s been dreaming about.
There was no need for piggyback rides or sandy beach adventures. We kept things simple, casual, and fun—because that’s what this family is all about. You could tell these boys have been through a lot together. They’ve got that unspoken bond that only siblings have. And every once in a while, in between all the goofing around, I’d catch a moment—just a look, a smirk, a shoulder bump—that showed the real love underneath all the sass.
And Alissa? She was an absolute gem. She didn’t need the “perfect” photo. She just wanted to remember that her boys actually showed up, smiled (at least a little), and gave her a snapshot of this stage in their lives.
“I just want to look back and see that my kids actually look like they want to get their picture taken for once???”
Well, Alissa—I think we did it. And even better? I think they might have had just enough fun to maybe—maybe—not protest quite as hard next time.
Thank you, Alissa, for trusting me with your wild, wonderful crew. It was real, it was hilarious, and it was totally you. I’m so glad I got to capture this chapter for your family.
If you’re a mom in Telford, Pennsylvania (or nearby!) and want someone who’s up for the challenge of photographing real family life—middle fingers, goofy grins, and all—I’d love to work with you. At Sweet AF Photography, I specialize in family, wedding, and branding photography with heart, humor, and a whole lot of patience.
Let’s make your next family session one to actually smile about.
