Why Family Milestones Deserve to Be Photographed

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

When you think of family milestones, you probably think of weddings, graduations, first steps. These are important. And so are the quieter, everyday moments – a child’s missing tooth, a new pet, a grandparent’s gentle smile, the bond between siblings. These are the moments that shape the story of your family.

While you might think photographing family milestones is a luxury, it’s actually a meaningful way to hold onto the love and connection that define your life together.

Photograph Young Children Annually

Children change at an astonishing pace. It seems like they grow overnight. In fact, they actually DO grow overnight! Their personalities bloom, their senses of humor emerge, and one day, you realize their baby cheeks are gone. This is why annual portraits during childhood are so important.

photography young children every year while they are changing rapidly

Photographing your children every year:

Creates a beautiful visual record of who they are becoming
Captures fleeting stages of growth (missing teeth, goofy faces, sudden confidence)
Helps you and your children reflect on their story with joy and pride

These portraits often become treasured keepsakes not just for you, but for your children as they grow. They say, “I am loved, I am valued, I am important.”

Capture the Whole Family Every 2–3 Years

Life is busy every single day. We all know that. It’s so easy to let family portraits fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But the truth is, families shift and grow and change constantly. Parents change careers, kids hit growth spurts, new traditions begin. Photographing your whole family every 2–3 years allows you to capture:

The changing dynamics and relationships within your family
The emotional threads that hold you together
The rare moments when everyone is in the same place at the same time

family portrait in elegant black and gold frame

Whether as a styled format portrait or a more casual outdoor location, these sessions reflect your family’s evolving story. The portraits become more valuable over time.

Create Multi-Generational Portraits Once or Twice a Lifetime

If you’re lucky enough to have grandparents involved in your children’s lives, multi-generational portraits are one of the most powerful gifts you can give and receive.

photography multiple generations once or twice in a lifetime

These portraits:

Capture the depth and wisdom of multiple generations
Honor the legacy that of your family history
Give children a sense of belonging and continuity

A well-crafted generational portrait becomes more than a photo — it becomes a family heirloom. Ideally, plan for one or two of these sessions during your family’s lifetime, especially while everyone is healthy and able to participate.

Photographs That Grow With Your Family

There’s no perfect time for a portrait, just a best time. And the best time is right now! Whether your home is filled with toddlers, tweens, teens, or college-bound kids, these moments are worth remembering. Family milestones don’t always come with cake and candles. Sometimes, they’re marked in the quiet pride of parenthood or the sweet chaos of everyday life.

Investing in regular portraits is a way to honor that.

Ready to Start Preserving Your Family’s Story?

See how I help families document every stage of life in beautiful printed portraits. Let’s celebrate your family’s milestones, both large and small, and create something timeless together. If you are curious to learn more, schedule a call with me to talk about it.