Do you like to take photos of your kids once a year? Many families look forward to each Fall and have created their own traditions with each year’s outing. They plan the outfits, choose the perfect new location and show up on picture day excited. One family last year created a family jingle “it’s picture day, it’s picture day!” I happily sang along as I snapped away. More proof that there are so many reasons why yearly family photos are important.
I’ve been so fortunate to photograph many of the same families for years, specifically in the fall. Watching these kids grow, gain siblings and mature is a gift. I actually get a little giddy when the season starts to get underway knowing that so many clients that I have come to know over the years will be scheduling another round of New Orleans annual fall photos.
The time and care each parent pours in to their child’s memories is heartwarming and inspiring. It makes me want to be the best family photographer I can be for every child that I photograph. And each new year I get another chance to get that little smile from mom, the playful tug from a toddler and the gentle pat on the back from dad and add to their gift of memories for their children.
If you have ever considered taking professional pictures each year of your family, there are so many benefits to this tradition of family photos. Here are a few of the biggest!
What’s Ahead…
The Benefits of Professional Photos Yearly
Each Year Brings New Changes Worthy of Documenting.
Maybe your kid is taller, their hair has darkened, front teeth are missing. All are important changes, but mostly, how have they matured? Do they giggle more, tell funny jokes, have a secret handshake? Are they now a big sister or middle brother?
Every change that has happened in the last 12 months is a part of who they are at this moment and will be missed once they grow out of it. Professional photos yearly give you a priceless document of this fleeting time and a gift of memories.
Family Photoshoots are a Wonderful Tradition.
New Orleans annual fall photos are a family event! One mom mentioned her two daughters are at an age that they start planning their own outfits for their annual family photos, taking great pride in picking the perfect out for them and sometime for her. Another mom told me she was thinking of skipping a year, but because it’s just her and her daughter, it’s become a bonding experience that her daughter has continued to request and love. One dad remarked on the ease of each year’s photoshoots and says he always looks forward to playing with his kids with the hope that I catch his good side.
Your family photo session is a chance to give your kids a ton of attention, go exploring with them, and possibly end each session with a special treat. One family always ends their morning family session with beignets, an only-in-New Orleans family photography experience.
Whatever you plan, make it a memorable outing!
Your Photo Gallery Wall is Ready for More Photos.
It might be time to update your family photos on your wall! If you have a selected space in your home where you have been hanging your favorite photos, then taking yearly family photos is a great way to keep it growing and updated.
Your children will love seeing themselves go from a baby to a tween. They will marvel at the love you showered upon them, and you will have a daily reminder of the “why” we work so hard as parents. What a wonderful gift of memories you get to enjoy daily!
Here’s a great example of how to make your wall gallery shine by Apartment Therapy.
There Are So Many Wonderful Locations in New Orleans for Family Photos.
It’s hard to pick just one location in New Orleans for the best family photos. Is it in the French Quarter with the many shutters and brightly colored walls? Is it in the Lower Garden District or the funky, graffitied buildings of the Bywater? How about one of the majestic parks, City Park or Audubon Park?
We are spoiled in New Orleans for breathtaking backdrops for your family photos. And each year you can discover a new location. As I’m always on a mission to find the most unique settings, you can also take advantage of a mini-session at one of Twirl’s curated spots each Spring and Fall. Many of these homes or private gardens require a photography permit fee, which I cover for the select dates. Take a look at this year’s list of eclectic locations for family photoshoots in New Orleans here!
The Fall Colors and Wardrobe
The Fall palette is a favorite for What to Wear for Family Photos. Deep bold colors, rich jewel colors, the muted colors of sunsets, they photograph beautiful. It’s a great time to add texture with sweaters, jeans and corduroys. Add a little pattern with plaid, herringbone and florals.
It’s one of the few times in New Orleans when layering if possible and a great time for annual family photos. Adding a scarf or a vest or jacket on dads looks great. And do be afraid to add a little gold or sparkle. For more inspiration make sure to check out my What to Wear for Fall Pictures here.
Different Seasons Provide Different Looks.
Many families wait until the fall to book a photoshoot, but if you book family photos yearly, think about trying spring or summer for a different look. What you wear will change. Those dreamy little girl dresses and seersucker shorts for boys are lovely in the spring.
The flowers and blooming trees in New Orleans starting in March add an extra something special to locations. Change it up every year and get a variety of looks for your walls.
Taking Your Own Family Photos Can Be a Disaster
Let’s face it, getting your kids to listen to you is challenging. This is one of my top reasons to schedule a yearly family photoshoot. If you have ever tried to photograph your own kids, you know what I mean. That’s the beauty of working with a professional.
I’m there to ask questions and keep them interested. I pride myself on winning over your shy child and gaining the attention of your not-so-shy child. I prefer it when your kids are silly and want to be chased around. It makes for great pictures. Having someone who knows what they’re doing behind the camera amid the whirl of activity produces significantly better results. And it takes the pressure off you, so you can relax and look fabulous in pictures. If you are worried about your toddler, don’t worry, check out this toddler misbehaving guide!
Everyone will be in Town
Professional photos yearly can include your extended family when all the busy schedules line-up. Bringing in grandma and grandpa, visiting cousins or making sure your college student is home for a photo make Fall the perfect time to continue your tradition.
Life can get busy and getting everyone together can be an overwhelming task. That’s why Thanksgiving week is often one of my busiest weeks for larger family portraits. Take advantage of your visiting family and schedule an extended family photo session in one of the many beautiful parks in New Orleans.
Holiday Cards are a Hit!
I honestly can’t get enough holiday cards. Of course I love seeing how families use their photos and knowing that they are sharing them with pride is wonderful. But mostly, receiving a holiday card through the old-fashioned mail, being able to hold and display a tangible holiday photo card is just lovely. The often touching and sometimes funny portraits of families always make my day.
There are so many wonderful companies online that make it simple to design, order and even direct-mail your cards. If you want to check out a few of my favorite companies that specialize in holiday templates go here!
There are so many ways to incorporate yearly portraits into your year, making this tradition a fun way to remember what your kids are like at this moment, the many changes and the love you all share. It’s also a great thing to when you are traveling as a family.
Jennifer Zdon is an award-winning photographer based in New Orleans, LA, and specializes in capturing the beauty of maternity, newborn and family moments. With a focus on lifestyle photography, she creates relaxed, natural and joyful images that resonate with her clients. Clients invest in digital images and beautiful artwork for their home to showcase these cherished memories.
