I recently booked our own family photos, and honestly, I can’t wait.
I love the photographer we chose—her editing style, her heart, and the way she works with kids. For the first time in a while, I’m the one looking forward to showing up, loving on my family, and trusting someone else to preserve our memories.
As both a mom and a family photographer, that feeling reminded me of something important.
Here’s What I Realized While Watching My Kids
The other day I was watching my children play together and realized how badly I want photos of this season.
Not just because they’re growing so quickly, but because of the little things that make our family uniquely ours.
The way my older daughters interact, play, hold, and love on their little brother.
The way my son absolutely adores his sisters, chasing them around for hugs, kisses, and yes…the occasional whack or two.
I love the way he plays with my hair. Even though it can be a little overstimulating sometimes, I know I’ll miss it one day. He gets this look on his face, gently runs his little hand through my hair, and then gives me the biggest kiss.
My daughters still climb into our laps. They still want to snuggle with my husband and me. They still reach for our hands.
These moments probably don’t seem extraordinary today.
But one day, they will be.
Why I Believe Family Photos Are So Important
When most people think about family photos, they think about documenting what everyone looked like.
I don’t.
I think about documenting what life felt like.
Family photography isn’t just about smiling at the camera. It’s about preserving the tiny details that quietly disappear as our children grow.
The gap-toothed smiles.
The tiny hands.
The way your toddler insists on being carried.
The way your child wraps both arms around your neck without you asking.
The way your family laughs together.
Those are the moments I hope to capture during every session because they’re the moments you’ll want back someday.
What You’ll Remember Years From Now
Years from now, I won’t be looking at our photos thinking about whether everyone’s outfit was perfect.
I won’t remember whether my son sat still.
I won’t notice if my daughters’ hair was perfectly brushed.
Instead, I’ll remember what it felt like.
I’ll remember my son running his little fingers through my hair before giving me a kiss.
I’ll remember my daughters snuggling close beside me.
I’ll remember the joy, the chaos, the tenderness, and the love that filled this season of our lives.
That’s what photographs give us.
Not perfection.
Memory.
If You’re Considering Booking Family Photos…
If you’ve been putting off family photos because life feels busy or messy, I hope this encourages you to go for it.
There will probably never be a season when everything feels perfectly in order.
Your kids won’t magically become less wiggly.
Your house won’t suddenly become quieter.
Life won’t slow down.
But that’s exactly why these moments are worth preserving.
Whether you’re looking for a Seattle family photographer, a Tacoma family photographer, or a Poulsbo family photographer, my hope is that you find someone who captures more than smiles.
Find someone who helps you remember how this season felt.
Because someday, these ordinary days will become the memories you treasure most.
