Earlier this month, I had the absolute pleasure of teaming up with Tara Kapish (t.kapish.photography) for a shoot that was as chaotic as it was fun. The idea was sparked by a post from Corrie Butler Photography, showcasing a playful mother-and-daughter paint session. The concept immediately resonated with me, so I shared it on my Instagram stories, asking if anyone would be up for trying it out. Tara responded with interest, and the rest is history!


We decided to exchange services—I’d photograph her and her son, and she’d photograph me and my daughters. We both loved the concept, so we quickly started gathering the materials we’d need. With our busy summer schedules, it wasn’t until August that we were finally able to bring our vision to life.

The Day of the Shoot


When the big day finally arrived, Tara and her son came over to my house. I had scouted a few locations in my yard, and after some deliberation, we chose the perfect spot. While the kids played and got comfortable, we set up our backdrop and finalized our paint colors. We opted for a neutral palette rather than bright colors, and decided to use mostly house paint, which added an interesting element to the shoot.


Tara and her little guy went first. At first, he was hesitant about getting paint on himself, but it didn’t take long for him to dive into the fun. They set the tone for the shoot, creating an engaging and playful atmosphere that resulted in some fantastic shots. My girls, watching eagerly, were chomping at the bit to join in, but I had to keep reminding them that it wasn’t their turn yet. As the sun began to set, we realized that setting up had taken longer than expected, so we needed to hurry.


Then, it was finally our turn! My girls were anything but shy—paint started flying everywhere, and I won’t lie, my anxiety kicked in! In that moment, I questioned what I had gotten myself into. The paint got on everything, and when I say everything, I mean everything! The girls had an absolute blast and didn’t hold back, despite my pleas to take it easy. You can see the look of desperation in my face in some of the shots. And the hair—oh, the hair! My girls and I all have long hair, and the paint got all over it. They made sure I was just as covered as they were, all in the name of capturing great shots.


Despite the chaos, I absolutely loved the photos Tara captured. Even though our editing styles differ, I’m a big fan of her work. She has a special talent for capturing the little details that tug at a mom’s heartstrings. I first met Tara at a photographer’s Headshot Mingle organized by Keri from Kaydee Photography. It was a great event, bringing together some very talented local photographers.

These images were taken by Tara Kapish Photography but Edited by Maria Nunez Photography

Things to Keep in Mind...

If you’re a photographer considering recreating a shoot like this, or if you’re interested in booking a session, here are a few tips based on our experience:


  • Paint Will Get on Everything: Seriously, it will. Whether this happens depends on how into it the kids or clients get, but be prepared. Ensure that anything you use as part of the backdrop or setup is something you’re okay with getting paint on.
  • Bathroom Access: Make sure the location you choose has a bathroom nearby. You’ll definitely need it for clean-up afterward.
  • Bring Extra Clothes: You’ll want a change of clothes for everyone involved—especially if paint is involved.
  • Head Scarf or Bandana: For those with long hair, this is a must. It took three washes and a lot of conditioner to get the paint out of our hair!
  • Expect Clothes to Be Ruined: Or at the very least, forever painted. This is part of the fun, but it’s something to keep in mind.
  • Go Barefoot if Possible: Shoes will get destroyed, so it’s better to go barefoot if you can.
  • Plan for Post-Shoot Transportation: If you’re heading home shortly after, have a plan in place for transporting painted items. Bring large plastic bags or a plastic cover for your car to avoid getting paint everywhere.
  • Allow Plenty of Time: Cleanup takes longer than usual, so make sure you’ve planned enough time for everything.
  • Pack Essentials: Trash bags, paper towels, and wipes are your best friends for a shoot like this.

This shoot was messy but so much fun! One thing I’ve learned from this experience is to put yourself out there. I’m so glad I shared that post and that Tara replied. I hope we get to collaborate again in the future because it was such a blast working together. Most of all, the memory of this shoot will forever be a part of my girls—they had so much fun. It’s rare for me to get pictures with my girls, so this was the perfect way to get some mommy-and-me portraits while trying something new!


If anyone is interested in a shoot like this, reach out—I’d love to do more of these! And if any photographers want to collaborate, I’m always up for it. Please go and visit Tara's Instagram, she is an amazing photographer @t.kapish.photography.