Branson family photographer specializing in joyful family reunions and local families alike.

Family photos don't have to be perfect to become your favorites.

The love your family shares is as simple as showing up for family photos;

as profound as little arms wrapped around a neck.

Over the last ten years I've photographed hundreds of families, and one of my very favorite things is watching for the tender space between poses.

Some of the best parts of family life happen there.

Your toddler reaching for grandpa's hand.

Your serious teenager unexpectedly cracking a smile.

Cousins who only see each other once a year who can't stop hugging between the group shots.

And at the end, you'll walk back to your cars with the easy laughs that come from years of shared memories and everyday moments.

So, what's it actually like, you wonder?

FIRST...

Relax.

You've made sure your whole family is in clean clothes, you find our spot and pile out of the car. You look around wondering how this is going to go...

Your 4-year-old either hides behind your legs or heads straight for the creek.

You immediately envision disaster.

But just for a minute, imagine if we do end with soggy shoes and sticks. What if it makes for photos of pure delight - muddy shoes and all?

Imagine if someone in your crew is slow to warm up, but you could trust that we'll get there? We'll play games that get everyone moving and interacting and finding their way together.

What if the things you're the most nervous about happening may just end up turning into your favorite photos in the whole gallery.

THEN...

Trust the process.

It may feel like herding feral cats at times (my own family photos always do!) but you can trust the process. We'll do the large group photos first while everyone's a little bit inhibited and on their best behavior. Then we'll ease into smaller groupings and prompts that bring out natural laughs. We'll let the squirrely kids get the wiggles out with silly games before the next pose, and before you know it you'll end up forgetting we're there for pictures because you're actually having fun.

LAST...

Go home remembering why you came.

All of the planning & shopping & bribing that had to happen to get your group here is in the past. Now that you're here, you might just end up being reminded that this is one amazing family you get to be a part of.

I love getting to be a 3rd-party witness to all that you're doing right as a family.

It will be chaos, yes, but you might just end up seeing the reason why it's worth the effort.

Family photos don't have to be perfect to become your favorites.

*"Kate was fun and worked well with our young children. We were so pleased with our experience and our photos!"*
*-Jeanine M.*

young family with a pregnant mom and a toddler cuddling her mama and daddy — *"Kate is delightful & the moments she captures serve as a lifelong reminder of our journey together."*
*-Lynetta S.*

dad and two sons standing by a creek with fall leaves — *"My 2 sons and I met her hoping just for good photos and got an outdoor adventure!"*
*-Lane B.*

couple by the river on a dock at Cozy Cove in Branson, MO with golden hour light — *"Kate does a phenomenal job of engaging with the family, allowing her to capture memorable photographs. We're thrilled."*
*-Dori R.*

KATE FRIED PHOTOGRAPHY

Branson Family Photographer for Extended Families and Local Families

Serving Branson, Hollister, Table Rock Lake, and surrounding areas

Fully Insured