A question I often hear as a family photographer here in Long Island for over a decade now, is how often should I schedule family portraits? I have met many families during this time and I see many of them annually for updated photos, but is it necessary to have photos taken annually? As a mom and photographer, I can tell you the answer is, yes. I schedule photos for my own family every year and plan on doing so annually. I realize that for some, this may not be realistic, so I am going to go through some suggestions about when to schedule photos and why you should continue to do so.

The Newborn Family Session

Although this may seem obvious, it is often an overlooked time to schedule family photos. Newborn sessions hold a special place in my heart an the images captured during a session will hold a special one in your’s too. Your baby will never be this small again. The newborn phase goes quickly and within a couple of months it feels like a distant memory. Newborn portraits help you remember the precious moments of meeting your baby and falling in love. For those moms who worry that they won’t feel their best post delivery, an in home newborn session can be scheduled anytime you want in the first month of life.

Six Month Old Milestone

Most people schedule photo sessions more frequently throughout the first year of a child’s life. The six month old milestone is a popular time to schedule family portraits. Baby’s have so much personality at this phase. Your bond with your child is so deep and it is a perfect time to document your love for your child. For those of you who skip the newborn sessiom, this is a great time to schedule those photos.

First Birthday

Some of my clients come back right around their baby’s first birthday to mark the occasion. Others wait until their baby is walking so that they can document their little one’s new skill. Either way, you can’t go wrong. At one, your baby has plenty of personality and is busy exploring their world. The photographs of your child in their last months of babyhood will be among your most treasured. Although I capture cake smash portraits in the studio, many of my clients forego the studio and opt for family photos instead. It is all a matter of preference

After the First Year

I am not only a photographer, but also a mom. I have an 11 year old and a nine year old. Because I am a photographer, I capture photos of them all the time. Even though I am a pro photographer, I am unable to capture photos of us together as a family, at least not the kinds of photos I want. Sure, I can set up my tripod and get a few quick family pics for cards, but I can’t get photos that tell my family’s story. This is not because I lack the technical skill to do so, it is because I need t participate in the session fully as a mom. I schedule a photo session EVERY year with a professional photographer. I also do so because I encourage my clients to do the same.

Vary the Time of Year When You schedule a photo session

Most families also schedule photos at the same time every year, which is typically in the Fall. Many book one of my holiday mini sessions and others simply book Fall family photos. You are not limited to the Fall for family photos.

I would suggest that instead of scheduling your photos at the same time each year, give yourself variety and schedule them at different times of the year. Try scheduling a session in the Fall this year and next year, during the Summer for a beach session. The following year opt for the Spring and go for a floral or garden session. Don’t ignore Winter. Winter can be a great time of year for cuddling up with your family either outdoors in the snow or in the comfort of your own home.

Photo Sessions with Older Children

When your kids get a bit older, may want to spread your portrait sessions out a bit more. As your kids grow up and have more going on (like sports, activities, and friends), scheduling sessions becomes trickier. They are also growing and changing at a slightly slower pace. Now might be the time to switch over to a 15 or every other year. At this phase, you can schedule sessions that are more adventurous like hiking sessions or sessions that are at more off the grid locations.

Need help deciding when to book your next family portrait session? Contact Me and we’ll make a plan for documenting your growing family!