How often do you get professional family photos done?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a huge expense and not something I spend lightly - $400 on a one hour photo session is more than my mom spent on groceries for a family of 6 for an entire month when I was growing up! But I really really value the photos. In particular, I value being able to be in them myself. I’m the photographer in my family 364 days a year (like many moms) and even when my husband tried to take photos in return, they aren’t great, haha. So for me, it’s worth it. I also like supporting our wonderful photographer as a small business owner.

+ 1. We do it once a year and put some of the pics on our holiday cards.

[Anonymous]

Every few years. We dress casually and have them done outside. I like our vacation candids and what not, but if you ever plan on displaying any of them the quality is much better if you have a professional do it.

[Anonymous]

We only had them done once when my child was about 10 months old. Now my child is 6. I don't have money and time for this stuff.

[Anonymous]

Once a year then we use one or two images for our holiday card and send others to family as framed prints. Our preferred Photographer is inexpensive so it costs under $200 including digital files.

[Anonymous]

Once yearly is not excessive. More than twice a year? Yes, I would likely think that's excessive.
When you have young children and family changes (pregnancy, adoption, new pet...) it's fun to get it recorded, framed, and ahared!

I was never into this until our 2nd child was born. Then I realized how nice it was to have professional quality photos to frame and preserve. Once I got pregnant again, during Covid, I did a maternity/Mother's Day photoshoot. Out of my 3 pregnancies, this last time was the only time I invested in that, and I'm so glad. Knowing it was likely the last time I'd be pregnant made it feel like a fleeting moment we should capture.
It also gave me something to look forward to and dress up for during the pandemic. Got my hair done, got my nails done, wore a pretty maternity dress... When everything else was canceled it was a nice reason to pamper myself

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would rather see an informal real shot then a posed thing with a backdrop.

+1. No kidding. There is nothing worse than the multitude of family photos in which mom obviously believes the family is auditioning for the cover of Pottery Barn catalog.

[Anonymous]

Literally never. They're all still thriving despite this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would rather see an informal real shot then a posed thing with a backdrop.

+1. No kidding. There is nothing worse than the multitude of family photos in which mom obviously believes the family is auditioning for the cover of Pottery Barn catalog.

+1. We fall into the never camp. I think we had professional photos done about 12 years ago when my oldest was a baby. Since then - and with subsequent children - we haven't bothered. To be honest, iPhone photo technology has far surpassed anything that I've ever needed. I get great portraits of the kids for Xmas cards and what have you using my phone. They look great and I can edit using an app, if needed. As stated above, I'm not a fan of posed, professional family photos. I like candid shots that look more natural. There seems to be a split in preferences from these responses.

Even if I did like professional photography, I cannot imagine getting it done yearly. What do you do with all those photos? Wouldn't every few years be better?

[Anonymous]

Never done it. I prefer candid shots taken during vacation, the back yard or first day of school.
Kids are 17 and 19. I don't think like the posed picture look of professional photos.

[Anonymous]

Once a year. It’s our favorite. I see others at least on social media that do it at least 5 times a year. Or when they are out at places.

[Anonymous]

We do a 20 minute mini-shoot every 2 years or so. Yearly feels like too much. But I do occasionally want some nice family photos. I got some amazing pictures of my kids this year and 20 minutes is the best length, right when they get antsy it’s over! Mine kids are 5 and 7.

[Anonymous]

Mini shoots:
-every (incl extended)family vacation 2X/year

Professional Photos with Immediate Family 2X a year

[Anonymous]

Once a year. So I can guarantee that I'm in at least one good picture a year. DH cannot take a decent picture to save his life.

[Anonymous]

Twice, but usually on a whim, like if a photographer is offering garden minis or whatever I’ll jump on it.

I’m very picky and love good family photos taken by a talented photographer, not just a mom with a camera looking to make some money.

I display the photos all over our house. I love them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once a year. So I can guarantee that I'm in at least one good picture a year. DH cannot take a decent picture to save his life.

Lol me too. So far every other year but it once a year is fine. We use some one who takes lifestyle/less posed photos