The Importance of Family Photos
- Kerry Paradis
- May 24, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2021
Sometimes we forget how important family pictures can be. We get so caught up with our daily lives that we don’t even notice the fact that we don’t have any family pictures until someone asks us for a recent picture and the one we have is 3 years old. Even with me being a photographer, I only get a chance to get my family pictures once or twice a year. It is hard to take pictures when you have to be in the picture :) Feel free to check out my portfolio.
Capturing A Child’s Growth
When I was growing up, the only way to take pictures was with a standalone camera. Since cell phones have started coming with cameras built in, it has made it much easier to take pictures no matter where you are because you always have your phone. With that being said, it is easy to catch kids on the go and get some great candid shots, but you still have the challenge of getting them to sit still long enough to take the picture. I remember going through some pictures of a vacation about a year ago and got some great pictures of my family, the only problem was, I wasn’t in most of the pictures. The only way to get a picture of the family is to ask random person to take it for you. Most of the time the pictures are great, but you feel bad asking them to take it again. This is why you need a professional photographer to get some pictures at least once a year because even though you take some great family pictures, they are always better with you in them.
Why Hire a Professional Photographer
Most younger kids don’t like being forced to sit for a family photo and it takes a lot of patience from the parents to get them done. Parents, it is always harder when they are your pictures, trust me. People ask me all the time, “How do you have the patience to take pictures of kids all day?” To be honest, it is because I am not in the pictures. When I get my own pictures done, my patience can run just as thin. It has to be a psychological thing. I am able to stay calm because I take pictures every day and know what to expect. I by no means think kids are going to behave perfectly for the pictures. They are like a ticking time bomb and eventually they will hit the wall. Luckily for everyone else, I have a very fast shutter speed on my camera and can capture the pictures in the split second they are smiling. Every once in a while the kids will want nothing to do with the pictures and we will reschedule. I do this as a courtesy to you because this can help alleviate some of the stress of the session; this does not happen too often though. Sometimes the trick is just finding that one thing that the kids like or are interested in. I come down to their level and let them press the buttons on my camera or even let them take a picture of me with the camera. Any one of my clients know this about me. I will make a complete fool out of myself if that will help me get the picture. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters anyway.
Re-living Memories
Family pictures are a great way to look back and see how much fun you have had as a family. Before kids everyone would always say how fast time goes by. No matter how many pictures I took, I always wish I had more. I wish I had more pictures of my childhood so I am sure my kids will want the same.
Booking a family portrait session at least once a year is a good way to document the changes to your family. A good photographer will understand that memories can’t be repeated and can adapt and deal with certain situations in a fraction of a second. Don’t let life pass by and look back wondering why you didn’t take the time to get family pictures done. Don’t make excuses or push it back any longer. You can’t go back in time and redo the pictures you wish you had. I love the fact that I have been able to capture the memories of families through each of their milestones. It is truly an honor!
If you are interested in pictures, you can book through my website or send me an email. I look forward to working with you!
I was born and raised in Perry hall (Baltimore area) and have been living in Harford County Maryland for close to 15 years. I have two daughters that keep me very busy and a very understanding husband that helps keep me sane J I love all kinds of photography including Newborns, Weddings and Family. For the past several years I performed shoots out of my house, but recently opened a photography studio in Joppa, Maryland next to the “The Great Hall” Wedding Venue at the Millstad. My studio allows the perfect lighting to capture the best pictures and it is surrounded by 40 acres of property that is used by a ballet studio and gymnastics facility. There are plenty of places to photograph! I also have some favorite beautiful spots in the area that I like to photograph at as well. Whether you are looking to capture the first days of your baby’s life, the important times with your family, Senior Portraits for your High School Graduation, or walking down the aisle on your special wedding day, I would love for you to consider me! I do not take any of my business for granted and feel blessed to do what I love for my career. I invite you to check out my website and subscribe to my email list for exclusive discounts and updates. I try and write these blogs in a way that might answer some questions you may have. If you ever have any ideas for my blog, shoot me an email and I will be happy to see what I can do.
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