How Often Should You Get Family Portraits? | Boston Lifestyle Photography
Kids grow up fast, so it’s important to take the time to stop and smell the sunflowers.
As a professional photographer, I'm often asked by clients how often they should get family portraits taken. It's a great question and one that I'm happy to help answer. The truth is that there's no set frequency for family portraits, but there are a few factors to consider that can help you determine the best time for your family to have them taken.
The first factor to consider is the age of your children. If you have young children, you may want to have family portraits taken more often, as they grow and change so quickly. Babies and toddlers in particular change rapidly, and you don't want to miss capturing these precious moments. Many photographers offer special milestone sessions that involve a series of sessions as your child grows up during the first year.
For families with older children, having portraits taken every two to three years may be enough. However, if your family experiences a significant change such as a marriage, new baby, or a move, it's a great time to schedule a portrait session to capture the new chapter in your family's story.
Another factor to consider is your family's budget. Professional photography can be an investment, so it's important to consider how often you can afford to have portraits taken. However, it's worth noting that the value of family portraits goes beyond their monetary cost. Family portraits capture memories that will last a lifetime, and they're an investment in preserving those memories for future generations. Prints are also a great gift for grandparents or other family members, so scheduling portraits before the holidays can take a lot of the load off.
It's also worth considering your family's schedule when deciding how often to have portraits taken. Busy families may find it difficult to schedule a portrait session, so it's important to plan ahead and find a time that works for everyone. Be sure to communicate with your photographer about your family's schedule so that you can choose a date that works for everyone.
Finally, it's important to consider the emotional value of family portraits. They're not just photos, but tangible memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come. Family portraits serve as a visual reminder of the love and connection that your family shares. They're also a great way to document your family's growth and changes over time.
There's no set frequency for family portraits. The decision on how often to have them taken will depend on your family's unique circumstances, including the age of your children, your budget, your family's schedule, and the emotional value that family portraits hold for you. However, I recommend having portraits taken at least once a year if you have young children, and every two to three years if your children are older and at special milestones in your family’s life. The most important thing is to have your family portraits that capture the love and connection that your family shares.
Ryan Richardson is a wedding and portrait photographer serving Boston and beyond; including Cape Cod Weddings, New England Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings and Rhode Island Weddings.