Don’t Let the Moments Fade: Why You Should Prioritize Yearly Family Photos

We all have a grandma or auntie whose living room is like a family Hall of Fame. Walls covered in photos, from baby pictures and weddings to family gatherings, each frame filled with love and memories. With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to plan a family photo shoot and update your spot on Auntie’s wall!

Family photos capture the joy, warmth, and culture that make our families unique, and they’re a rare chance for us moms to be in the photos! (Instead of always being behind the camera) While family portraits are timeless treasures, the prep can feel a bit overwhelming. For our first family session, we had to brave a cold, dreary day, rushing through shots to keep our newborn warm. Waiting to see those proofs felt like forever, but they turned out beautifully.

Now, as I plan this year’s session, I want to share some tips I’ve picked up over the years to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Take Your Time Picking Your Photographer: Finding a photographer you love is like finding a good hairdresser! Working with someone your family vibes with makes the experience so much more enjoyable. For me, NyejahBolds Photography is the go-to! They are amazing; not only do they take beautiful photos, but they also create a comfortable atmosphere for us. My husband usually isn’t one for taking pictures, but they’ve managed to make him feel at ease and capture some truly authentic moments of us. Now, anytime I need professional photos, I know exactly where to book.

2. Pick a Special Location: New Orleans has beautiful backdrops that add something special to your photos. Consider iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral or a classic streetcar, or add a pop of color with the city’s vibrant murals. These touches make your photos feel like a true reflection of your family’s connection to New Orleans.

3. Coordinate Outfits, but Don’t Overdo It: Matching outfits can look great, but everyone wearing the same color can also come across a bit stiff. I typically pick a color palette to coordinate each of our outfits. This allows the pictures to look neat without looking overly matchy.

4. Don’t Stress about Perfection: One of my favorite photos of my daughter isn’t a “perfect” shot. She is kind of smirking, her sleeves have slipped down over her hands, and one of her little ruffle socks is sticking up. But it’s precious because it’s real. Not every photo needs to be flawless, and sometimes those little imperfections make the best memories.

Family photos are a beautiful way to capture the love and memories that define our families. With a little planning, the experience can be as enjoyable as the photos themselves. As you update your family's place on that infamous wall of fame, remember to focus on capturing real moments rather than perfection.