The Top 10 Family Photos You Must Snap Every Year

Now that the new year is in full swing, you’ll want to start planning out your family photos for the coming year! Planning. Memories. What? Yep, you heard me right. There will be beautiful moments all year long that will just happen, and hopefully you will capture some of those moments on camera, but there will also be a handful of memories that you’ll need to plan out…I’m not talking about the obvious birthday pics, but instead about all the group photos that you may actually need to schedule, especially if you have a large family or grown children that may live away from home. If you read our post entitled Upcoming Reunion? Here’s How to Plan Your Group Photo, you already have some great tips on how to get everyone together. In this post, Professional Photographer Emily Supiot of Cozy Clicks Photography shows you which shots to put on your list!

Take it away, Emily…

 

Which Family Photos Should You Take Every Year?

Whether you are having professional photos taken, or just snapping some shots with your camera phone, there are some shots you should always make sure that you get each year of your family.

Here is the run down of the top family photos to make sure you capture every year:

 

1. The Classic Pose

The classic pose is the whole family together. Optimally, all family members are looking at the camera with their biggest and best smiles. This shot is a must have for your family each year…if the kids will smile for the quick second it takes to snap this shot.

 

2. The Candid Shot

This family shot is a fun one. Take the stress away from trying to get that classic pose and take some photos of the family just hanging out with each other. This is a great shot to plan if you have little ones that may not always cooperate for that classic family pose.

 

3. The Classic Kids Shot

Similar to the classic family pose, this one also has smiling people looking straight at the camera. This shot just includes the kids though.

 

4. Mom with the Kids

A family picture that all moms will love and cherish for years and years to come is the photo with her and her babies. No matter how old the kids get, make sure to capture this shot every year and see how quickly they grow.

 

5. Dad with the Kids

Make sure you also get a family photo in with dad and the kids. This can be a classic, candid, or a fun shot. Dads sometimes don’t love having their photos taken, so just make sure that dad gets in front of the camera too!

 

6. Kids Being Kids

The classic kids pose is always nice, but sometimes it’s more fun to remember them just being kids. Take a picture of them playing, running, jumping, or digging in the dirt. Capture them in their element. When you look back, it will be neat to see the growth.

 

7. Showing Love

Make sure to get a family photo in each year that captures the love you have for one another. Giant family hugs, kissing the kids, or a family tickle fight will evoke love and emotion that you will love looking back at.

 

8. Having Fun

You got a shot of the kids being kids, right? Now make sure to get in a shot of the whole family having fun! Have the family jump together, race each other, tell a joke, or share a secret.

 

9. Boys Together

Each year, get a photo of all the boys in the family together. This could be a classic pose, a candid moment, or something more fun… Just make sure that the guys get their picture.

 

10. Girls Together

If the boys in the family get a photo together, then the girls should too! Make sure to snap a photo every year of all the girls in the family. This would look nice displayed right next to the one you took with all the boys.

 

Caroline’s Notes: Thanks for that list, Emily!

As you can see, these are just a few suggestions, but they’re a great starting point! I’m sure if you sat down to think about it for a moment, I bet you could come up with a whole list customized to just on your family. Keeping an organized list of all of your must-have shots will make any photo session a breeze, and it’ll ensure that you stay consistent throughout the years, which in turn makes photo books (and yearbooks) easier to make! It reduces stress, and helps you better communicate with your photographer. Not to mention, you won’t ever feel disappointed because you “forgot” to pose for a shot that you really wanted. Pinterest, anyone?

Making memories and snapping photos are always a worthwhile investment for any family, and it’s so much fun! And like Emily mentioned, even if you can’t afford to hire a Professional Photographer, you have so many options when it comes to smartphones and affordable gear that you really have no excuse not to take these photos! Make memories, keep them organized, and share them with your family! Every year!

 

 

 

What family photos are on your must-have list each year? Let us know in the comments below!