10 Common Reasons You’re Putting Off Family Photos (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Let’s be honest.

Family photos often end up at the bottom of the to-do list.

There’s always something else that feels more urgent—soccer practice, work schedules, laundry piles, home projects, and the endless cycle of everyday life. Before you know it, another year has passed, the kids have grown a little taller, and you’re once again saying:

“Maybe next year.”

As a photographer—and a mom of five myself—I hear the same concerns all the time. So let’s chat about the most common reasons families put off scheduling photos and why I lovingly disagree with every single one of them.

1. “I’m Not Photogenic.”

This is probably the number one reason I hear from moms.

And can I let you in on a little secret?

Almost every person who steps in front of my camera says this.

Being photogenic isn’t something you’re born with. It’s my job to help you feel comfortable, guide you into flattering poses, and create an experience where you’re focused on your family instead of worrying about the camera.

Family sessions aren’t about looking perfect.

They’re about preserving the way your little one wraps their arms around your neck, the way your spouse makes you laugh, and the season of life you’re living right now.

And trust me—you are far more beautiful than you give yourself credit for.

2. “My Husband Thinks It’s a Waste of Time and Money.”

Oh, dads.

I have photographed enough families to know that most dads aren’t counting down the days until family picture day.

But here’s the thing: family sessions are rarely just about smiling at the camera.

We:

• Play games
• Go for little adventures
• Give piggyback rides
• Snuggle
• Tickle
• Laugh

Many dads leave saying they actually had fun.

And years later? They’re usually the first ones pointing at the framed photos on the wall and remembering that season of life.

3. “My Kids Won’t Cooperate.”

I have five children.

I completely understand.

Children are wonderfully unpredictable.

They have opinions.

They get tired.

They melt down.

They refuse to wear shoes.

And occasionally they decide today is the perfect day to practice saying “No.”

That’s okay.

I approach every session as an opportunity to make a new friend. I’m incredibly patient and easygoing, and I understand that children simply need moments to be themselves.

Sometimes the smiles happen immediately.

Sometimes we need a snack break.

Sometimes we capture giggles.

And sometimes we capture stubborn little faces.

Believe it or not, those often become favorite memories too.

4. “I Don’t Know What to Wear.”

Deep breath.

You do not need perfectly styled Pinterest outfits.

I guide my clients every step of the way and am always happy to help coordinate clothing.

I can offer suggestions, help with color palettes, and even look at photos of outfits you’re considering.

Most importantly, wear something that feels like you.

The magic of family photos isn’t found in perfect clothing.

It’s found in the connection.

5. “It’s Not Time for Holiday Photos Yet.”

The holidays are wonderful.

They also tend to be the only time many families think about scheduling photos.

But your family deserves to be documented simply because this season matters.

Not for a Christmas card.

Not for social media.

Not for anyone else.

For you.

Because these moments pass by far too quickly.

Document your family because your children are growing and because the people you love are worth remembering exactly as they are right now.

6. “We’re Too Busy.”

This one might be the hardest because honestly?

We are all busy.

The reality is there may never be a perfect time.

There will always be another practice, another meeting, another errand, another reason to wait.

But family photos don’t require perfection.

They simply require showing up.

Most sessions are much easier and quicker than people imagine. Children have short attention spans, and I’ve learned how to move efficiently while still capturing all the important moments.

An hour of your time creates memories you’ll have forever.

That’s a pretty wonderful trade.

7. “I Don’t Know How to Pose.”

Perfect.

That’s my job.

I don’t expect you to know what to do with your hands, where to stand, or how to position yourself.

I’ll guide you every step of the way.

I’ll tell you where to stand.

I’ll help you interact naturally.

I’ll gently prompt you into moments that feel genuine and comfortable.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You simply need to show up and love on your people.

8. “I’ll Do It After I Lose Some Weight.”

Mama…

Please don’t wait.

Your children don’t see extra pounds.

They don’t notice your double chin.

They don’t care if your hair wasn’t perfect.

When you look back at childhood photos with your parents, what do you remember?

Their imperfections?

Probably not.

You remember feeling loved.

You remember being held.

You remember the laughter and the moments.

One day, your children will treasure photographs simply because you are in them.

And trust me—being present in the photos matters far more than looking “perfect.”

9. “My Family Isn’t Complete Yet.”

I hear this often.

Some families want to wait until they have their final baby before investing in photos.

But every stage deserves to be remembered.

The season before siblings arrived.

The season with one child.

The season with two.

The season where everyone finally came together.

Your family is complete exactly as it is today.

And tomorrow it will look different.

Every chapter matters.

10. “What If I Don’t Like Them?”

This one tugs at my heart because I understand that photography is an investment.

You aren’t simply paying for photographs.

You’re trusting someone with your memories.

I don’t take that lightly.

From our first conversation to the delivery of your gallery, I pour hours of care, planning, creativity, and attention into every session.

My goal is never to simply deliver pictures.

My goal is to create photographs that make you feel something.

Images that remind you of how tiny your children once were, how everyone laughed together, and how beautiful this season of life truly was.

The Truth Is…

There will always be reasons to wait.

Life will always be busy.

The laundry will never be caught up.

The kids will continue growing.

And somehow, before you know it, they’ll be taller, older, and on to their next season of life.

The perfect time doesn’t exist.

But this moment?

This beautifully messy, imperfect, wonderful season you’re in right now?

It’s already worth remembering.

So don’t wait.

Take the photos.

Your future self—and your children—will be so grateful that you did.