When should you have professional pictures taken?

Photography is one of those things that many think is a hassle, a stressor, and an unnecessary expense. But is it? Does it have to be a major to-do that only happens every few years when you can muster up the energy to get everyone new outfits and schedule the time in between soccer games and dance class?

I would argue it’s not a huge deal, and there are so many reasons why you should and could do a session. Also, as with anything, the more you do it, the better you get at it and the less pressure it can be. You learn what looks good on you in photographs, what colors look good together, and what accessories would up your look. (And if you don’t I can certainly help with this). All I’m saying is it gets easier and feels like less of a big deal when you do it more frequently. Below are some ideas of why you should do a photo session this year.

1. A new family pet- You just brought home the most adorable new puppy or kitten and want to include them in a special session to capture all those sweet snuggles

2. Getting ready to bring home a new baby- You want to document the time before a new baby comes, and when they arrive too! I do newborn sessions! Learn more here.

3. Moving into a new home- You are excited for your new time at your new home and want to document some pictures on your new front steps and in the yard too (no pressure to unpack!)

4. Moving to a new town- You just arrived in a new town, and it’s exciting. It would be nice to have a session right before you leave the place you called home for so long. Also a session in front of the skyline of your new town would be fun and exciting too!

5. You child is growing and changing fast- Babies grow so fast in the first year, doing small milestone sessions throughout the year is the perfect way to document this exciting year.

6. You want to photograph your family at your happy place (vacation home/spot, or special park)- Photo sessions at the beach are some of my favorite images of my kids. Maybe the lake is your favorite place or you might have a favorite hiking spot. A photo session dedicated to documenting your family in your happy place is so special.

7. A missing tooth- Ok, it is such a cute time when those front teeth go, and it’s a quick turn around before the new ones come in. Why not schedule a session to get photos done during this extra cute phase.

8. Your yearly session- If you do a session every year you are doing a great job!

9. It’s a new season- If you are prone to do a session every year at the same time you will always be doing sessions in the same season. Next time why not try a different time of year to switch things up? The beginning of spring is always a fun time if you want a backdrop of pastels.

Bottom line: photos are not a luxury. When you think about the years you will love looking back on the professional pictures that had everyone in your family in them (including you) they will be well worth the cost. In the future- 10, 20, 30 years from now do you think you will regret spending the money on pictures? I don’t think you will. You will be thankful to have them. So book the session, don’t put it off. Those kiddos of yours will not be little forever.

Would you like to chat about setting up your perfect session? I would love to talk to you. Send me a message here to begin the process. Do you want to read more about the process to book? Go here.

Should I book a Full Session or a Mini Session for My Family Photos?

When thinking about what kind of family session you will schedule for your family you will need to decide whether it will be a full session or a mini session. Mini sessions are typically 30 minute or shorter and full sessions are usually around an hour or slightly longer. 

Many parents may think that they only need a few minutes to get a couple “good shots” or that one family picture for the holiday card. And it’s true, while you don’t “need” 50 pictures, you may want to reconsider having a full session for a few reasons that you might not realize.

1. Full Sessions get all the shots: The different combinations of shots I will take is limited when I have less time. For example at mini sessions I’m not able to go through my complete family shot list. Typically during a full session I will start with the whole family together, then I’ll do mom with the kids, mom with each kid alone, then dad with the kids, dad with each kid alone, siblings and different groupings if there are more than 2, each kid alone (if we have time), then I end with more group shots so there are many different photographs of the family together. I don’t always get every picture on this list depending on how kids are feeling towards each other and the mood they are in, but it’s the goal and usually I get it, or get very close to getting everything. MIni sessions will probably mostly just get half this list. Usually I’m not able to get individual shots and parents with every child during a mini session. There’s just not enough time.

2. Time to warm up: A full session gives the kids more time to warm up to me. This is especially great for little kids. Older kids usually are pretty cooperative about doing the things I ask of them, but younger kids sometimes need a little more time. A full session gives them time to take breaks if they need to. This is why it’s great to have a full hour so we can take all the pictures we want to get, and kids don’t feel rushed or stressed.

3. We play games: I like to play games with kids and it takes longer! I can’t play games in mini sessions, there isn’t enough time. But ask any of my young clients if they like to swing in my blanket or run under the blanket and they will not want to miss out on that part of the session!

4. If there is a meltdown or a need for snacks we have more time to take a break during a full session. In a mini session there is no time to stop. A kid who needs time away from the camera to regroup will be able to go off and take a snack or play a little before rejoining the session.

5. In addition to having more time for different people combinations, we also have time for different family “poses” and locations. If at a park, we can walk around take pictures at different spots with different configurations, sitting, standing, dancing, laying down, you name it. If we are doing the session in your home we can move around to different rooms or even do half inside in your yard or at a park in walking distance. You will have lots to choose from when you see your gallery. This way, you will find something you love!