Debating scheduling some updated family photos? Here’s why booking an annual family photo session is one of the best gifts you can give your future self.
There’s something so special about having families come back for updated photos year after year. This sweet family is one of my repeat clients that has started the yearly family photo tradition!
Being invited back into families’ lives again and again like this is something I’ll never take for granted. It’s so special when a family rebooks with me because it means they trust me to capture their family memories. It is truly such a privilege to walk through so many different seasons with families and watch their stories unfold as new siblings are born, kids grow, and new milestones are celebrated. It’s the part of this job that fills my heart the most!
If you’re not convinced yet that booking yearly family photos is worth it, keep on reading. In this post I dive into why regular family sessions are so important as well as how to make the most of your photo session.
Here’s Why Yearly Family Sessions Matter
1. You’re Freezing Precious Moments In Time
It’s no secret that kids grow up SO fast. From their height, to their personality, interests and expressions…they are always changing! That big lopsided, gap tooth smile? Those little hair curls that are the cutest? You blink and they’ve already grown out of it. If you’re waiting for an ideal time to schedule that family session, you might miss out on capturing those small, precious details.
2. Regular Family Sessions Build a Visual Legacy
Booking yearly family photos allows you to capture your family’s story as it unfolds. The walls in your home become a gallery, showing how your family has grown over the years. And those sweet photos get to be passed down to future generations and treasured for so many years to come!
3. Family Sessions Are Perfect for Creating New Memories
Family sessions aren’t just about getting updated photos for the mantle or holiday cards. If you book a family session with me, we focus on having FUN and creating new core memories for you as a family. I am all about capturing the unscripted, candid moments that really show off your family’s dynamic. The laughter, chaos, tickle fights and bear hugs are the moments that you’ll be so grateful you get to look back on in your photos because they show true connection.
How to Make the Most of Your Yearly Family Session
1. Timing & Planning
If you’re thinking of planning yearly family photos, try to book them around the same time each year. This way the comparisons will feel more cohesive and be evenly spaced as your littles continue to grow. If you booked a seasonal fall mini session one year, consider making it a tradition to do fall family photos every year!
When thinking about your next family session, remember to plan ahead and book early — especially if you are booking during peak times. Most photographers release their fall and holiday mini session dates months in advance, and spots tend to fill up quick! To make sure you don’t miss out, you can subscribe to your photographer’s email list if they have one (here’s my mini session subscription list!) to stay updated on session details.
2. Preparing Your Children
If your kids are new to the whole photoshoot thing, here are a few ways you can help prepare them for your session to ensure things run a little more smoothly (or as smoothly as it can with little kids) and that it’s a fun time for both you and them.
- Talk up the session in advance (like weeks in advance). How you frame it is everything. If you make it sound like a super exciting and fun time where they get to play and make silly faces for the camera, they will be way more cooperative and it will be more fun for everyone!
- Bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them energized and content throughout the session. We don’t need any hangry meltdowns! When packing snacks, make sure to avoid messy or stain-prone foods to keep their outfits picture-perfect!
- Dress them comfortably. It’s best to prioritize your kiddos’ comfort over fancy or elaborate outfits. Choose clothing that allows your kids to run and play freely. We want them to feel comfortable and like they can be their wild and fun selves!
- Be patient and keep your expectations low for perfection. Remember to take things at their pace and take plenty of breaks during the session. Aim for connection and authenticity when it comes to photos. The spontaneous and slightly chaotic moments usually result in the best shots anyway!
Make sure to check out my 7 Tips To Help Prepare Your Kids for Your Family Session blog post for additional tips!
3. Stick With the Same Photographer
Once you find a family photographer you love, stick with them! It’ll be easier for your kids to adjust and feel comfortable in front of the camera since it will be a familiar environment for them. Plus as a returning client, your photographer will be a pro at working with your kids and remembering what makes them laugh, what slows them down, and how to gently guide them through moments when they might be feeling shy or restless. This will really help make each session feel so easy, relaxed, and authentic.
Staying with the same photographer year after year also means your family photos will have a consistent look and feel. The editing style and vibe will stay the same, so all your sessions flow together and tell your family’s story smoothly.
Making Family Photos Easy and Enjoyable
I know booking yearly family photos can feel like a big commitment, and you might have some worries. If cost is holding you back, think of this as an investment in memories you’ll never regret. There are always more options for sessions (like a mini session instead of a full session) that might work better for your family and your budget.
If you’re not a fan of being in front of the camera, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through the entire session and keep things super fun and relaxed. Trust me, you’ll have a blast.
Worried about fitting a session into your family’s busy schedule? I do everything I can to make your session as smooth and stress-free as possible. You’ll get a session prep guide and access to my full client closet so you don’t have to spend time figuring out outfits for the entire family. Plus I keep my family mini sessions short and sweet, only 15 minutes long. This makes them perfect for busy families with young kids.
And if life has flown by and you’ve missed a year or two? That’s totally okay. You can always pick up the tradition of regular family photo sessions again whenever you’re ready!
Ready to Book Your Next Family Photo Session?
I would be honored to capture family memories for you to treasure for years to come and to follow along over the years as your family continues to grow. You can connect with me by filling out my inquiry form and we will get your next family session on the calendar! And if you aren’t already subscribed to my mini session email list, make sure to sign up so you don’t miss out on any upcoming mini sessions I’m offering!
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