FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY DOES NOT NEED TO BE SEASONAL
Family photographs can, and should, be taken any time.
All around the country, and especially in the PNW, family photography sessions slow way down following the holidays. Babies keep being born, couples get engaged, and bellies swell and so family photography doesn’t completely stop in Seattle, but most photos that are not time sensitive are pushed back until summer or fall. I continue my fine art school photography, work on the back end of my business and wait for busy season. But is this truly necessary? I don’t think so. There are a few factors that tend to make family photos so seasonal and I would love to address them!
Holiday Cards
First of all, family photos are SO much more important than a simple photo for a holiday card. Don’t get me wrong, if the annual Christmas card is the incentive you need to get into the photo with your fam, I am here for it, but I see family photography as so much more. It is your legacy, it is the proof that you did this thing called parenting! These photos boost our kids self-esteem and give them a sense of belonging. I would also add that I do not think that the family photo you use for your holiday card needs to be taken AT or RIGHT BEFORE the holiday itself. Take some of the pressure off. As a Seattle mama, I know that I want to be soaking in every moment of sun and freedom in the summer, so why not get your photos done in the spring, and save yourself some FOMO?
Location
There is no denying that the outdoors are beautiful, or that golden hour is lovely, but photography can be about so much more than that. I strive to document relationships, changes, growth, and quirks, all of which are wholly beautiful in themselves. Home sessions immediately have an ease and authenticity about them that can’t be recreated, and studios give the photographer complete control over the environment, allowing personalities and interactions to be the focus of the photos.
”Having Chelsea take our family photos in our house was the best choice ever! Our four year old was comfortable and loved showing her around the house. It also meant not having to load our baby into the carseat and haul around a bunch of gear. The photos capture us as a family in our element and when I look at them I am right back in that moment. No more rescheduling because of rain or trying to get comfy in a field for us! In-home pics are the way to go!” - M, mother of two, Seattle
Reframe Winter
That’s not gloom and dreariness you see outside, it is a call to get cozy, and invitation for Hygge!
Common excuses for not wanting to be in family pictures after the holidays:
I need to lose weight and get ALL the projects done.
No, you really don’t! Ads, influencers, the world might be sending you that message, but hold your kid and notice the way they look at you. That love and adoration is what really matters and I live to photograph it.It is just so gloomy
I think you meant, it is just so cozy. If you are going to be escaping the rain or cold anyway, might as well embrace it and even have it documented!
Ok, I’ve made my case! Ha! In your home or at the studio, family photos don’t need to wait for summer sunsets or fall foliage. Your love and relationships are at the core of it all and what I think is more important to capture with photographs.
