Why You Should Take Yearly Family Portraits

Many of us understand the importance of yearly family portraits but find it hard to prioritize. But when we do, the rewards are big! I’ve been fortunate to photograph many of the same families, year after year, and the experience has been priceless. A case in point is the adorable family in the photos above. I photographed the parent’s wedding and then reconnected with them when they welcomed twin girls, Abigail and Evelyn. See how these darling sisters have changed through the years! Not only are these portraits wonderful for the family to enjoy now, but they are precious heirlooms for future generations. What a privilege for me to capture these milestones.https://youtu.be/Gezhb7qF2uU

If you have ever considered taking professional pictures each year of your family, there are so many benefits. Some families look forward to Fall and have created their own traditions with each year’s photo session outing. They plan the outfits, choose the perfect new location and show up on picture day excited. One family last year created a family jingle “it’s picture day, it’s picture day!” I happily sang along as I snapped away.

CREATE ART FOR YOUR HOME

What better way to decorate your home or office than with beautiful photos of the ones you love? As you’ve figured out already, you never print photos from your phone and are at great risk of losing them to the ether. Portraits of the family that is printed bring great joy to everyone on a daily basis. Kids will often show off their family to visitors and find great pride in being a focal point in your decor. Did you know the simple act of having your family’s photographs hung in your house increases your children’s self-esteem?  Studies show that having your family photographed and having your loving portraits displayed prominently in your home sends the message that your family is important to one another…and that you honor the memories you created together.  David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio says, “I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit. A photographer’s job is to create and make the image look like safe holding space for kids where they are safe and protected.  Kids get it on a really simple level.”

MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THE PHOTO

And if you are a busy parent always taking the pictures, never in them, then this is really for you. Give your kids a future gift and get in the photos. Let them see how you stare at them, want to play and hug them. It’s an incredible investment. They see you as their mom: loving, a safe place, a refuge. Your kids just want to see you in family photos because it will help them to remember your time together, not how you look. Your children want memories with you, not a “perfect photo” of you.

Ok Fall portrait scheduling is underway! Make sure to reach out soon for your family photos or go grab a spot at a special event with the links below. Don’t forget the power of yearly family portraits! Looking for natural, fun, easy family portraits in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, San Jose or Santa Cruz? Email me at christina@nightingalephotos.com

Can’t wait to hear from you, soon!

Christina