Why I'll Never Copy a Pinterest Photo (and Why You Shouldn’t Want Me To)
- Kelly Stickelmaier
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

We’ve all been there—you’re scrolling Pinterest and spot that perfectly posed, seemingly effortless family photo. You think, “That! That’s exactly what I want!” But here's the honest truth: Copying Pinterest images never truly works—and here's why I won’t do it.
Don't get me wrong, Pinterest is amazing for inspiration. It’s a wonderful tool for helping us see color palettes, textures, and general aesthetics. But when it comes to your session, trying to recreate someone else’s exact photo steals away something incredibly important: your own unique story.
Here’s why I believe your family session should be authentically yours, and not a carbon copy of a Pinterest board:
🌿 Your Story Deserves More
Your family is special. The way you laugh together, the way you cuddle, your kids’ silly expressions—none of that can be duplicated by simply recreating someone else’s pose. Pinterest images are someone else's moment, someone else's story—not yours.
☀️ Lighting & Location Will Never Be the Same
Photography is an art that relies heavily on the moment, the light, and the setting. Even if we try to recreate a Pinterest photo, the lighting, weather, and landscape will always differ, leaving the recreated image feeling "off" or staged. Trust me, embracing the light and surroundings we have in that exact moment will always yield more authentic, beautiful results.

💛 The Best Moments Are Unplanned
The magic happens in the chaos. When your toddler breaks into giggles, when your partner whispers something sweet (or hilarious) in your ear, or when your family naturally connects—that’s when the real story unfolds. Planned poses often lack these genuine emotions. Let’s leave room for spontaneity—it's always where the beauty lives.
✨ Your Session Should Feel Like You
Every family has their own vibe—playful, cuddly, silly, shy. By copying someone else’s moment, you miss out on capturing your family's true personality and interactions. Let your session reflect exactly who you are—unique, messy, playful, and real.
🎨 Creativity & Connection Go Hand-in-Hand
Part of my role as your photographer is helping you relax, connect, and truly enjoy the session. If we're chasing a Pinterest-perfect image, we’re likely missing the magic unfolding right in front of us. Let’s focus on your family, your connections, and trust the creative process.

🖼 Pinterest Inspiration is a Starting Point, Not an End Goal
Pinterest boards can be incredibly helpful when used correctly. Rather than recreating exact photos, we can use them as mood inspiration—focusing on colors, textures, styling, and overall mood. From there, we can create something unique and even more meaningful because it’s truly yours.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to tell your family’s story. Let’s let go of the pressure to recreate someone else’s moment and instead focus on capturing yours—the genuine laughs, the sweet connections, the perfectly imperfect beauty that only your family can bring.
You’re not a Pinterest board—you’re so much better. Let’s embrace that, together.

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