There’s nothing quite like the magic of documenting your family in your current phase of life. As a photographer, I’m a little biased about the value of taking regular photos of your crew. However, as a mother, I invest in family photos every year. They’re just that important!

I know you’ve heard this thought before, but photos are such a unique way to freeze time. If you’re like me, you never want to forget the little details that make your kids special, whether it’s their missing-toothed grin or their preference for mismatched socks. Family photos can turn forgettable moments into treasured memories.

In today’s blog post, we’re chatting about how you can make your family photos extra meaningful, but I want to start by making sure you know that just the act of taking family pictures is incredibly meaningful. Getting all dressed up and spending intentional time with the people you love most is such a gift for your current and future selves.

At the same time, when you put in that little bit of extra work to do something special for your family before, during, or after your session, it can make a huge difference in how everyone feels about the photos. When you look back at your photos in the years to come, you’ll remember the fun experiences you had together and the memories you created. 

Creating meaningful personal traditions surrounding family photos is a great way to help your kids and husband start to look forward to yearly photos, instead of dragging their feet when the time comes.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for making your family photos extra meaningful:

Wear Clothing You Love.

When you’re dressed in something that you feel good in, your inner beauty and confidence will radiate through the camera lens. This goes for every family member, from moms and dads to kids and teenagers. If you can incorporate a special piece of clothing like an heirloom accessory or a pair of shoes you picked out with your child, that’s always a great idea too.

Choose a Special Location.

For many families, there is a location or space that holds value for them. I love taking photos in locations that are important to my clients! I’m always happy to chat about location options, whether it’s the park where you and your spouse got engaged, a trail you love to walk on as a family, or a lake where you have family reunions.

Incorporate a Fun Activity.

A great way to help your kids look forward to family photos is to make it part of a fun series of events. This can mean including an outing that your kids love before or after your photos. Think about the things your kids are interested in, but some good options can include going out for ice cream or watching a movie together.

Print Your Photos.

After your session is over, surprise each of your family members with a framed photo of their portrait or a candid of them laughing with their siblings. Help them hang it somewhere they’ll see it often, like their room or on the wall in the office.

Incorporating meaningful traditions into your family photo experience is the best way to create unforgettable memories with the people you love most. I hope these ideas are helpful!