How Often Should You Take Family Photos?

take family photos at least every three years

Photographs are more than just images – they are moments frozen in time. Seeing family portraits displayed around the home shows children they are loved, valued, and important. These images create a family legacy, one that you and your children will cherish more and more over time. But how often should you schedule family photos? Here’s a guide to help you plan.

Annually While Children are Young

Children change and grown and evolve overnight in the early years. I strongly encourage you to capture your children annually during this time. You have tons of photos on your phone, you say? Of course you do! And there is definitely a place for those “slice of life” pictures. But once a year, come in and get something special that captures your child a little deeper. Then display it in your home.

print and display annual photos of young children

During the middle-school years, your kids might resist annual portraits. They are beginning to separate and increasingly interested in spending time with friends. But in my experience, those same friends think it pretty special that their friend’s home is filled with portraits. So try to do it annually anyway. Or move to an every-other-year schedule. Or include a special friend in the session – that can lead to some hilarious, spontaneous, really genuine moments!

continue to photograph children as they get older

Once-in-a-Lifetime Heirloom Portraits

Heirloom Portraits are timeless, black-and-white vignette portraits designed to showcase a young child’s innocence and beauty in an elegant, classic way. I recommend an Heirloom Portrait once in a child’s lifetime. You can do it at any time. I love it as a one-year milestone portrait or while the kids still have baby teeth. When you have your last child’s portrait created, this is also the perfect opportunity to capture an Heirloom Portrait of all the siblings together to complete the collection.

printed and framed Heirloom Portrait of toddler girl

Periodically Capture the Entire Family

How often should you photograph the entire family? I did it every year with my own family, but, it should not shock you to learn that I’m kind of into photos! If that feels like too much, a good rule of thumb is at least every three years. Families change—kids grow taller, hairstyles evolve, and dynamics between and among family members shift. Capturing your family at different stages ensures that your walls tell the full story of your life together. Of course, if you’re like me and love documenting each chapter of your family’s story, an annual session is a beautiful way to go.

be sure to capture the entire family in printed portraiture on a regular basis

Are Phone Photos Enough?

One of the most overlooked benefits of family photography is the impact it has on children. Studies show, and I believe from my own experience, that when kids see their photos displayed in the home, they feel a sense of belonging and self-worth. Even if they don’t express it, they internalize the message: I am loved. I am important. When their friends visit and comment on the beautiful portraits on the walls, their pride grows even more. As I said above, there is definitely a place for phone photos – don’t stop taking those funny, quirky shots! But be sure to do the special ones. And have your photographer print and frame them, or create a custom-designed album from them.

Professional DC Photographer

As a professional childhood and family photographer in Washington, DC, I understand the value of capturing and preserving your most meaningful moments. My goal is to provide you an experience that results in high-quality, carefully curated portrait artwork that you can enjoy for a lifetime.

It doesn’t matter when you start. Just start! If you are curious, schedule a call with me to talk about it.