As family photographers in Columbus, Ohio, we love when clients return for their photos. We frequently get asked how often we should book a family photo session. As a mother and photographer myself, of course I love family pictures and always look for an excuse for updated family portraits! With growing kids and life continuing to change, there's something so meaningful about keeping up with your family pictures even with busy schedules. You're creating a family legacy and curating a time capsule for your children and grandchildren to reflect and talk about. These ages and stages are only here for a little while, and you only have one chance to document them through photos.
Annual Family Photo Session
One of the most popular schools of thought is booking an annual family photo session. Once a year, you can update the walls of your home with new photos and get the group together for the memory books. Often these photos are also used for holiday cards. While there's nothing wrong with annual sessions, consider how quickly your kiddos grow and change. Our phones capture everyday moments at the tap of a finger, but how often are you in those photos? The annual photos are an excellent option for the family looking to send holiday cards or a yearly update to extended family. This is great for extended families that may not be together all year long or families with older children where the visible changes in their faces and size is less noticeable throughout the year.
Seasonally
Columbus is beautiful in spring, with the flowers blooming and enjoyable weather. Planning your family photo session seasonally allows for a variety of scenery, multiple options for holiday cards, and unique photos throughout your home! Summer family sessions are also fun to capture your kiddos before they begin the next school year. We can take back-to-school pictures or have a fun family night at the park. A seasonal family photo session also allows for more availability, as most people take photos annually in the fall. You won't find yourself cramming at the last minute to get updated photos for holiday cards or before sports begin. Shorter sessions more frequently are great for little ones who may have varying levels of interest in photo sessions depending on the day to give you more opportunity to capture different sides of their personality. These frequent sessions are also great for smaller children that change so much so fast!
As Often As You Can
Life can change on a dime; it is a precious gift to cherish. I always tell clients that while preparing for and getting their kids to your session may be a headache, you'll never regret it once you get those photos back. A family photo session is a unique way to freeze these fleeting moments and remember all the quirky stages your kids will experience. I've always valued pictures, and even more so now, through the motherhood stage and as a full-time photographer. Your children will grow up and go on to do incredible things. Having family photos to look back on will be something you will cherish for a lifetime.
So, how often should you take family photos? I don't think you can ever take enough. Our families are one of the most precious gifts in this life. Book the session!
Are you looking for more inspiration for family photos? Head to the blog!
Ready to book your dream Columbus family photographer? Let's connect.