Listen, I know you. The session is booked, you're excited, and suddenly you're looking around your house thinking "I need to deep clean this entire place before Sara gets here."
Stop. Right there. Put the mop down.
Let Me Tell You Something About Who I Am
I have a friend. And when I go to her house she never once stresses about whether her floors are swept or her dishes are done. You know why? Because she knows me. She knows I'm not coming to inspect her house. I'm coming for HER. For her kids. For the laughs and the chaos and the real genuine love that lives in that home whether it's spotless or not.
That's exactly how I show up for every single one of my clients across Connersville, Richmond, Brookville — everywhere I go.
I come out of love. No Cap.
When I walk through your door I am not looking at your baseboards. I am not judging the pile of laundry on the couch or the toys scattered across the floor. I am looking at YOUR PEOPLE. The way your kids light up. The way your family exists together in their real everyday life. THAT is what I'm there to capture.
Because that's not just my job — that's who I am.
The Mess Is Actually the Good Stuff
Think about it. The toys on the floor? That's evidence that kids live and play and are loved in that home. The crayon mark on the wall? That's a story. The pile of clean laundry you haven't put up? That's a family that wears clothes and has a life. None of that is something to hide from me.
💡 A spotless house doesn't tell your story. Your people do.
Real families in Indiana don't live in Pinterest-perfect homes. They live in homes with character and chaos and love spilling out of every corner. And those are honestly my favorite places to be.
So What Should You Actually Focus On?
Here's what I actually want you to do before I arrive — and none of it involves a mop (unless of course the three year old dumps a whole gallon of milk everywhere):
- Let the kids burn energy — tired kids who've been cooped up are tough. Let them run around and get it out first
- Grab snacks — a hungry kid is a grumpy kid and we've all been there
- Bring a favorite toy or comfort item — especially for the little ones
- Don't tell the kids too far in advance — day of works best. Otherwise you'll answer "are we going yet?" approximately 4,000 times 😂
- Think about what everyone is wearing — this one actually matters! Check out my complete what to wear guide for seasonal color tips
- Leave the stress at home — seriously. This is supposed to be fun!
The mess will still be there after. But these moments with your family? They won't be.
That's why I do what I do. I'm not here to photograph a perfect house. I'm here to capture the love that lives inside it — messy floors and all.
Written by
— Sara Garrett
Momma behind the camera at Flawlessly Candid LLC · Milton, Indiana · Serving Fayette County and surrounding areas