As kids get older, family pictures often become less of a priority.
Schedules get busier. Sports, school activities, jobs, and friends fill the calendar, and before you know it, it's been years since everyone was in front of the camera together.
But this season of life is worth remembering, too.
You Don't Need a Special Occasion
One of the things I hear most often is, "We really need to update our family pictures."
The truth is, you don't need a milestone, a graduation, or a holiday card as an excuse.
Sometimes the best reason is simply that this is your family right now.
The conversations around the dinner table. The personalities that are still growing. The season where everyone is under one roof, even if just for a little while longer.
Those are the memories worth holding onto.
Wear What Feels Like You
You don't need to overthink the outfits.
Choose clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and coordinate without everyone matching exactly. Pick colors you enjoy wearing and that feel like your family.
When you're comfortable, it shows in your photos.
You Don't Need to Know What to Do
Most families don't spend their weekends in front of a camera, so it's completely normal to wonder, "What do we do with our hands?"
That's where I come in.
I'll guide you through the session from start to finish, so you're not guessing. Sometimes I'll ask you to walk together, look at each other, or even give me a laugh, even if it starts out a little forced.
Those moments often turn into real laughter.
The direction I give isn't always about creating perfect poses. It's about helping everyone relax so your personalities shine through, and we have a little fun along the way.
The Moments You Didn't Plan For
Some of my favorite images aren't the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
They're the quick smile between siblings.
The look a parent gives their child without even realizing it.
The laugh after someone tells a terrible joke.
Those are the moments that often mean the most years from now.
Finding the Right Location
Whether your family feels most at home in an open field, among the trees, or walking through downtown Des Moines, we'll choose a location that fits your style.
My Best Advice? Just Show Up.
You don't have to have everything planned.
You don't have to worry about everyone smiling at the exact same time.
You don't have to stress if someone isn't excited about having their picture taken.
Just come ready to spend some time together.
I'll take care of the rest.
These Photos Become More Valuable Over Time
It's easy to say, "We'll do pictures next year."
But next year has a way of turning into five years (I'm guilty of this!).
The photos you take today become the ones your family looks back on when life has changed. They're a reminder of this season, not because everything was perfect, but because you were together.
And years from now, that's what matters most.
If you're looking for a family photographer in Ankeny or the Des Moines area, I'd love to help you create images that feel comfortable, genuine, and true to your family. Contact me to start the conversation!
