One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that families invite me into some of their most sacred moments and celebrations. These special moments mark significant events and achievements, creating lasting memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. Our lives are filled with moments that we want to remember, but you may not think of doing portraits to mark some of these…I encourage you that ANY time is right for doing photos, because you will never regret having them done. In fact, many families wish that they updated photos of their children or extended family more frequently. Here are some occasions when portraits will be particularly meaningful:
New Additions: Welcoming a new baby into the family is a milestone that deserves to be commemorated, but so is adding a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, or second marriages that include new grandchildren/stepchildren. Including new family members is a beautiful way to include them and help them feel like part of the crew.
Birthdays: Each birthday is a milestone worth celebrating. Plan an annual family photoshoot to capture the uniqueness of each family member at different stages of life. You can choose a specific theme or location that reflects the birthday person’s personality and interests, whether they are turning 5 or 65.
Graduations: Graduating from school or university is a significant milestone. Organize a family photoshoot to capture the joy and pride of this achievement. Include props like graduation caps, diplomas, or the graduate’s school colors to add a personalized touch. Parents, you will not regret having photos with your graduate before they leave for college, and being able to send your grad off with refreshed family portraits will ease the homesickness.
Anniversaries: Celebrate your wedding anniversary by scheduling a special photoshoot with your spouse and children. Capture the love and connection that has grown over the years, and consider recreating some of your favorite wedding day moments.
Special Achievements: Whether it’s winning a sports competition, receiving an academic award, or reaching a personal goal, capturing these special achievements through photography can serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication put into reaching those milestones.
Family Reunions: Family reunions are the perfect time to gather everyone together for a group photoshoot. These images will become treasured keepsakes and can be a way to document the growth of the family over the years. This is also the opportune time to capture extended family sessions that all look cohesive.
Moving Homes: Moving to a new house or city is a significant milestone in a family’s life. Consider capturing the excitement and emotions of this new chapter with a photoshoot in your new home or at a location that holds sentimental value. Many people opt to have these done before they move out of a home that meant a lot to them.
Generational Portraits: Arrange a multigenerational photoshoot to celebrate the bond between different generations in your family. These portraits not only capture the present moment but also become heirlooms that can be passed down through the generations.
Personal Achievements: Whether it’s learning to ride a bike, playing a musical instrument, or excelling in a hobby, individual achievements within the family can be documented through photography to create a visual timeline of growth and accomplishments.
Of course, milestones are unique to each family, so feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your family’s specific celebrations. By capturing these moments through photography, you’ll create a treasure trove of memories that will be cherished for years to come. Thank you for including me in so many of these sweet moments!
