Investing in Memories: Why Family Photographers Should Prioritize Their Own Family Photos

I put my money where my mouth is, and I finally invested in my own family photos after months of prioritizing others.

As a family photographer, my passion lies in capturing moments that families cherish for a lifetime. I spend countless hours behind the lens, orchestrating smiles, and freezing fleeting moments in time. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of my profession, I realized something profound – while I was busy preserving memories for others, I was neglecting to do the same for my own family.

It's a common scenario in our industry. We're so focused on ensuring that other families have beautiful memories to look back on, that we often forget to prioritize the same for our own loved ones. But a few years back, I made a conscious decision to change that. I decided to put my money where my mouth is and invest in my own family photos. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

But why should family photographers prioritize their own family photos? Isn't it enough to have the skills to capture moments whenever we want? While that may be true to some extent, there's a deeper significance to investing in professional family portraits for ourselves.

Research shows that displaying family photos in the home can have a profound impact on family dynamics and children's self-esteem. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that children who grow up surrounded by family photographs have a stronger sense of belonging and a higher level of self-worth. These visual reminders of love and togetherness serve as a constant affirmation of family bonds.

Moreover, investing in our own family photos allows us to experience our profession from the other side of the lens. It gives us empathy and insight into what our clients feel when they entrust us with their most precious moments. We understand the anticipation, the excitement, and the joy of seeing those final images, not just as photographers, but as parents and spouses.

Furthermore, having professional family photos reminds us of the fleeting nature of time. Our children grow up faster than we can imagine, and before we know it, they're off on their own adventures. Investing in these photos is an investment in memories – a way to freeze time and preserve moments that we'll treasure long after our children have grown.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, prioritizing our own family photos is an act of self-love and self-care. In the hustle of running a photography business and juggling family responsibilities, it's easy to put ourselves last on the list. But taking the time to capture beautiful moments with our own loved ones is a reminder that we deserve to be in front of the camera too.

So, to my fellow family photographers, I urge you to take a moment to reflect on your own family photos. Have you invested in preserving your own memories? If not, I encourage you to take the plunge. Put your money where your mouth is and make those memories tangible. Your future self and your family will thank you for it.