As a photographer, people often assume you only shoot weddings or engagements. But one of my favorite sessions to do is family photos! I think family photos are one of the best ways to watch your family grow over the years. Here are some of my favorite reasons to take annual family photos.

MARK TIME

Kids are always changing and growing and it might not be easy to see those changes when you’re in the thick of it. Parenting is hard work! But I love being able to look back at photos of my own daughter or clients I’ve been able to work with over the years and see exactly how much growth can happen in a year.

I know a family with a daughter named Olivia who have been my clients for years. They took annual pictures all throughout Olivia’s high school years, and Olivia asked me to take her senior pictures as well! It was such an honor to watch her grow into a beautiful, talented young woman. I’m sure her parents cherish the photos of their daughter growing up and becoming herself even more than I do.

Another amazing thing about family pictures is they can show how everyone’s personal styles and tastes change over time. When you’re living all together day-to-day you might not notice the changes, but looking at two years worth of family photos side by side will help you see the changes. This can apply to clothes or even just photo settings. Say one year you’re really drawn to the mountains but the next you’re booking a downtown photoshoot. The differences are really amazing to see!

INVOLVE EVERYONE

Think of the last five years of your family’s life. Have you or your siblings gotten married? Had babies? Moved across the country? Most of these things are true for my family, so I’m sure they’re true for yours too. Without updated family photos those new family members might not be featured in your homes or camera rolls.

Taking family photos might not always be everyone’s favorite activity and that’s okay! That’s just another thing to remember about your current life. I love looking back at family sessions and seeing how kids reacted every year – who put on a show for the camera and who didn’t want a solo shot? Who held the baby last year? Where did everybody stand? It’s all documented!

Family photos are a great way to watch your family grow and evolve. They’re an investment I know you’ll be grateful for in the future. If you’re looking to book family photos in Utah or my new home in Memphis, Tennessee, please reach out! I can’t wait to meet you and capture special memories for your family.