Time flies, doesn’t it? One minute your kids are learning to walk, and the next they’re sprinting through the house at full speed! Between school, sports, and the everyday hustle, it’s easy to let the years pass by in a blur. But here’s the thing: your family is growing and changing every single day, and that’s exactly why booking a full family session at least once a year is such a great idea.
Sure, mini sessions are great for quick updates, but booking a full session lets us slow down and truly capture your family in all its beautiful, messy, and unique wonder. Here’s why you should make it a yearly tradition!
1. Document Growth and Milestones
Kids grow up fast—I mean, really fast. One minute they’re giggling toddlers, and before you know it, they’re pre-teens with opinions about everything! (Or they’re like my kids and are giggling toddlers full of opinions already). A full family photo session each year is like pressing the pause button on time. It lets us capture your family at every stage, whether it’s those sweet newborn cuddles, the silly faces of a seven-year-old, or the bond between siblings that just keeps growing. And sometimes you *actually* want to document that teenage grimace, arms crossed, attempting to hide the smile because I’m just that funny (no seriously this has happened more than once).
With a full session, we have plenty of time to get everyone in the spotlight. We can focus on individual shots of the kids, the little moments between you and your partner, and those candid, fun interactions that show off your family’s personality. It’s all about remembering this moment in your family’s story.
2. It’s a Family Tradition Everyone Will Love
Turning your yearly photo session into a family tradition can be such a fun experience. It’s not just about getting the photos, it’s about spending time together and creating memories. Whether you choose a new location each year or keep returning to a favorite spot, this tradition becomes something special that your whole family can look forward to.
Think about it: in a few years, you’ll have a beautiful collection of photos that tell the story of your family’s journey. You’ll be able to look back and see just how much your kids (and maybe even you!) have grown and changed. Plus, when your kids grow up, they’ll have these incredible keepsakes to share with their own families. And hopefully, your kids will want to continue the tradition with their families.
3. More Time = More Fun!
Unlike a quick mini session, a full family session gives us time to get creative and really let loose. We can explore different locations around Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, and even Detroit if you’re feeling fancy! Maybe that park where your family loves to hang out, or a special place that holds sentimental value. For my husband and me that’s the orchard we got married at! With more time, we can capture the full range of your family’s vibe, from the goofy and playful moments to the quiet, heartfelt, snuggly ones.
Plus, with a full session, there’s no rush. We can take breaks, let the kids be themselves, and just enjoy the experience. Because that’s what it should be about, the experience. The fun you get to have together as a family, tech free, and sweet.
4. Keep Your Family Portraits Fresh
We all have that one photo from years ago that’s still on the wall, right? It might be beautiful, but wouldn’t it be great to have updated pictures that reflect your family now? A full family session once a year ensures that your home is always filled with current photos of your loved ones. Whether it’s for your living room wall, an album, or even as gifts for grandparents, updated photos are something you’ll cherish every day.
And if you know anything about my process, you’ll know that EVERY SINGLE SESSION (yes even minis) comes with print credit to use in your gallery store! I’d start thinking now about what keepsakes you want to purchase with that credit next time you book with me!
5. An Excuse to Unplug and Reconnect
Life can get so busy, and sometimes we’re all just glued to our phones or juggling a million things. A full family photo session is a chance to unplug and just be together. No distractions, no work emails, just you and your family, enjoying each other’s company. We’ll laugh, play, and create some real moments, and I’ll be there to capture it all. But most importantly, I’ll say it again, there will be laughter! I get goofy, which gets the kids goofy, which makes you as the parents smile. Believe me, it happens every time.
It’s not just about the photos; it’s mostly about the time spent together, making lasting memories. And I promise, those candid moments when you’re laughing with your kids or sharing a quiet moment with your partner? Those are the ones that will really make your heart melt when you see the final photos.
6. Leave a Legacy for Future Generations
Let’s think long-term for a second: these photos aren’t just for now, they’re for the future, too. One day, your kids (and maybe even their kids) will look back at these photos and see the love and connection that held your family together. Annual family photos are like little time capsules, preserving not just how you all looked, but how you felt in that moment. The silly little smile you always give your kids. The one-sided dimple that appears on your kiddo’s cheek when they laugh. The way you didn’t know your partner watched you when you play with the kids. Those things. Those are your legacy.
You’re creating a visual story of your family’s history, and that’s something truly special.
In the end, booking a full family photo session once a year is about so much more than just getting nice pictures. It’s about freezing time, building lasting traditions, and giving your future self (and your kids) a way to remember the joy, love, and craziness that comes with family life right now, in this moment.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s capture your family’s magic together and make this year’s session one to remember!
