If there’s one thing I feel passionately about, it’s regularly taking family photos. Yearly family photos are something that I prioritized with my husband and kids long before I took photos for other people. It took a while for my husband and I to get on the same page about regular family photos, (I chat all about that here) but now we can both agree it has been an incredibly rewarding decision.

If the thought of booking family photos fills you with stress, it might help to remember two things:

1. Taking professional photos does NOT have to be something you dread. It can (and should!) be a fun experience for everyone in your family.
2. You can do it! With a little planning and direction, you are totally capable of having an amazing family photo session.

The value of having regular photos taken of your kids at each new phase of their lives cannot be overstated. From their first big-kid haircut to growth spurts and getting braces, it’s so special to document the evolution of your family. You will love being able to look back at each stage throughout the years.

If the logistics of planning regular family photos just aren’t making sense, I have a few ideas that might help. Let’s chat about a few common situations that my clients find themselves in and my best tips for shifting your perspective. 

“Our schedules are too busy to dedicate an entire evening to family photos.” 

The first step to setting yourself up for success is finding a photographer who can work around your family’s calendar. Regardless of whether you’re newly married or have four little ones, there will always be schedules to coordinate. The ideal photographer for your situation will have flexible hours to work with your availability. Don’t be afraid to get creative with timing as well! Does a morning shoot work better for you? Let your photographer know so you can work together to get the best possible result.

“My kids are too little to sit in one place long enough for their photo to be taken.”

This concern is all too real for me, as a parent of a busy little one myself. Toddlers and babies are wiggly! When it comes to family photos, the key is to focus less on structured poses and more on capturing kids in their element. After photographing my own kids and countless other young families, I’ve learned to capitalize on the genuine interactions and playful moments of each child. I chat more about posing tips for kiddos in this blog post.

“My family doesn’t appreciate or understand the importance of pictures together.”

The best way to combat bad attitudes and foot-dragging is to make family photos fun. One idea is to create a family date night around the photos by adding activities before or after your session. Are your kids movie lovers? Take them to a theater to see a new release. Or maybe your family would love stopping by your favorite ice cream shop for a treat on the way home. Consider what things your kids and husband enjoy doing, and incorporate that into your date to make family pictures an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Ultimately, the perfect opportunity for photos doesn’t just present itself, you have to create it, regardless of your circumstances. The good news is that the more familiar you are with the process, the easier it will be. Just like anything in life, practice makes perfect! Capturing the evolving relationships of your family members is an investment that you’ll never regret.