10 Occasions To Take Family Portraits

As a Photographer, I may be a little bias – but I believe family portraits should be scheduled at least once a year. Throughout the course of the year, there are many opportunities to take portraits. Here are 10 occasions to take family portraits that you may have not thought about.

1. Just Because

Family portraits are one of the most important activities a family can do together. In the moment, it may seem unnecessary – but it is something you’ll never regret doing. And you do not need a reason to take them 🙂 Scheduling family portraits is a great way to take a break from the hustle-and-bustle of your everyday life and spend quality time. You do not need a specific reason to do so 😉

2. Around The Thanksgiving or Christmas Holiday’s

The great thing about the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday’s is that this is a time of the year when families tend to be together. Scheduling extended family portraits is a really great idea, when everyone is together for the Holidays. The images can be used to send out Holiday cards. And I really love when families show a little personality with things like an ugly sweater picture 🙂

3. Right Before Someone’s Birthday

Scheduling family portraits before a family member’s birthday is another great occasion for portraits. The images from the session can be used to post about the birthday on social media. And if you are planning a party, the images can be used to decorate the party.

4. After A Family Member’s Wedding

While there will be a bunch of family portraits taken at the wedding, this may not include every family member. Weddings are a time where families come together – sometimes from all over the country. Any time that families are in the same place at the same time – this is the perfect time for portraits.

5. An Important Anniversary or Vow Renewal

A family member’s anniversary can be another great occasion to take portraits. The family portraits can be used as a gift from you to your spouse. And planning on going out to lunch or dinner after the session is the perfect way to celebrate.

6. Children’s Graduation Celebration

A child’s graduation is a really important moment that deserves portraits being taken 🙂 I recommend scheduling these portraits as much in advance as you can. Doing this will ensure that you can schedule the session on the day of the graduation. Either before the ceremony or afterwords.

7. Milestone Ages of Your Children

Kids grow up QUICK! And documenting their progression is key. These are some of the images you will look back on and REALLY appreciate as time goes on! Typical milestones can be around their 1st, 5th, 10th, 16th, and 18th birthday – for example.

8. While You Are On Vacation

Depending on where you are going, scheduling portraits on your vacation can be really fun. Vacations destinations are typically some of the most beautiful locations around. This can add up to some really great backgrounds for your images. Keep in mind that the session will need to be coordinated and scheduled in advance. The images from your vacation will document some of the fun places you’ve been on vacation to with your family.

9. After A Religious Sacrament

Number 9 on the 10 occasions to take family portraits is after a religious sacrament. For example, your child’s baptism. It is great to not only have a Photographer capture the actual sacrament – but it also may be a good idea to schedule family portraits as well.

10. On School Breaks

Last, but not least, is while children are on school break. During children’s break from school, they will be available during the week and this can be the perfect opportunity to schedule family portraits 🙂

Hopefully these are some useful tips on occasions where you can schedule family portraits. If you are in need of family portraits, I would love to connect with you. The best way to reach me is through the contact form on my website. Thanks!