We first decided to hire a professional photographer when our son Leo was just 9 months old. I connected with an old college buddy who primarily focused on journalism, and it turned out we were among his early clients. Initially, we were hesitant. After all, we had smartphones, and capturing baby pictures was something we could do ourselves. Our goal wasn’t to be in the photos; we simply wanted candid shots of our little one being himself—no posed moments required. And honestly, isn’t posing a 9-month-old a bit of a challenge?
But our friend, Liam, offered an incredibly reasonable rate, making it hard to say no. We met him at a nearby park, where he captured Leo climbing a tree, getting his shirt changed, and crawling around, all while wearing his dad’s sunglasses. The results? Absolutely stunning. I was instantly convinced.
Since then, we’ve made it a tradition to have professional photographs taken every year. We’ve worked with three different photographers, all of whom were friends. While one of them leans toward posed photography—which isn’t quite our style—the others followed my kids around, capturing them in their element without being intrusive. Those candid moments are worth every penny spent.
Sure, the posed photos are adorable. I often set up little photoshoots at home, lining the kids up against a nice backdrop, dressed in their Sunday best. I’m constantly pulling out my iPhone, shouting, “Look at Mama!” I end up with cute snapshots: the boys side by side, posing next to their Lego creations, or splashing in the water. But despite their charm, these shots can’t compare to the joy of seeing my children truly engaged in play, which is what my photographers excel at.
During one of our sessions, my artsy activist friend, Claire, met us at my mom’s farm. The kids decided to ditch their shirts, and she captured Leo in adorable skull shorts and boots as he navigated through a gate toward the horses. She snapped photos of him munching on ripe blackberries and even took some lovely shots of me holding the baby. Claire has an eye for angles and lighting that the average weekend photographer simply doesn’t possess. That’s what you’re investing in, and it’s undeniably worth it.
Our most recent photo shoot took place at a park featuring a creek. We dressed the kids in button-down shirts with rolled-up sleeves and gave them nets to chase minnows. They splashed in the water and swung on the swings, all while climbing tree branches. When I previewed the photos, I thought: This is how I want to remember my boys—not in stiff poses, but joyfully chasing fish in the dappled sunlight of spring. Yes, this captures my children perfectly.
I understand that cost can be a concern. However, if it’s within your budget, make it a priority to find a photographer who resonates with you and allows them to follow your kids in a favorite location. Alternatively, you can reach out to local universities for photography or journalism students eager to build their portfolios. You’ll want someone who understands lighting and angles. If you’re lucky, you might just help kickstart a budding career, as prices can vary significantly between established and emerging photographers.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t shy away from getting in front of the camera. Twenty years down the line, your kids won’t care about your double chin or how you felt about your makeup that day. What will matter is that they have a photo of you playing and laughing with them. I allowed Liam to capture moments of me pushing my kids on swings, even though I’m not thrilled with how I look in photos—an experience many can relate to!
We proudly display these memories on our walls. One photo even graced our Christmas card one year. I see a beautiful montage of Claire’s artistic work in my hallway, along with a collection of Liam’s masterpieces. I’m incredibly grateful for these images, as they allow me to see the beauty in my children through another lens, revealing details I might have overlooked.
While it may seem like a luxury in this smartphone era, the memories encapsulated in these professional photos are invaluable. We will always cherish them, as they beautifully document the fleeting moments of childhood.
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Summary
Investing in professional photography can transform the way you capture family moments, providing you with stunning images that reflect the true essence of your children. While it may require a financial commitment, the lasting memories and artistic perspectives gained make it worthwhile.