It’s not about picture-perfect outfits or spending a lot—it’s about freezing a moment in time you’ll never get back.

I was scrolling through my camera roll for a decent photo of the three of us — my husband, our toddler, and me — for an “about-me” slide at work. Out of the thousands of photos I have, I surprisingly came up almost empty. Aside from last year’s holiday pictures, there weren’t any great shots of us together recently.

That gap got me thinking. Growing up, my family took exactly one formal photo I remember—an extended-family portrait when I was about eight. I still remember the day too, and love seeing that photo on the wall in my grandparent’s house. I loved it, but it never became a tradition. Fast-forward to 2022: we welcomed our daughter, and suddenly time felt like it was on fast-forward. I didn’t want her childhood—or our aging parents and grandparents—to slip by uncaptured.

So, for Christmas 2022, we gifted ourselves and my family a photo session (my in-laws are already good at doing this every year). We booked a photographer who captured everyone: my mom, dad and stepmom; both sets of grandparents; my brother’s family; and our little trio. We also made sure to get a handful of portraits of just us three—because I knew those would matter just as much. We managed to schedule the shoot for spring 2023, and when my grandma passed away in December 2024, those images became priceless.

Planning Your Own Family Photos

Here are a few things to think through that can help make the process easier—and more meaningful.

Set Your Goal (holiday card, wall art, legacy album?)
Pick Your Budget + Format (pro photographer, swap, studio, DIY)
Choose a Meaningful Location (home, favorite park, destination)
Plan for Real-Life Logistics (outfits, kid energy, nap time, weather/sun, and pack snacks — for yourself too)
Schedule Backwards from Your Deadline (October for holiday cards, etc.)

Options for Taking Family Photos

Here are a few routes—from high to low effort (and cost)—that could work for your budget or bandwidth.

📸 Professional Photographer

Many offer mini-sessions (quick, lower cost, and ideal for young kids). This also allows you to select someone whose style matches your vision and give them a shot list. Book 2-3 months ahead of time so you can secure a spot.

🤝 Swap with a Friend

Have a friend with a good eye and a decent camera? Trade services or treat them to dinner in return for 30 minutes behind the lens. That’s what we did last year, and the results were so personal.

🧍‍♂️ Go to a Studio

Local photo studios (like JCPenney or Tom’s One Hour Photo in LA) offer nostalgic backdrops, quick sessions, and surprisingly fun results. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to worry about the weather or setup. Same-month (and sometimes day-of) bookings are often available — a great option if you’re short on time.

📱 DIY

If you’re feeling ambitious, use a tripod and set a self-timer or use a remote. I’ve been tempted to try a Mirror Self-Portrait Studio that gives you the studio vibe and lets you see yourself while you shoot—more forgiving than guessing with a self-timer.

However you capture your family this year—whether it’s through a mirror, a mini-session, or a cousin with a camera—I hope you take the photo. Not because you need to, but because it may end up meaning more than you realize.