When Should I Get Family Portraits?

There is no artwork, regardless of it’s value, that will  affect your friends and family more profoundly than your Family Portrait displayed in your home. Custom portraits are worth more and more over time, because you can never recapture those moments. Children grow SO FAST! Capturing an annual family portrait is important! First, your child takes their first step, learns to ride a bike, gets their driver’s license, graduates from High School. Soon they will be married with a family of their own. These are precious times, and although things will change, this moment never has to slip from your fingers. When we get together to design each years’ portrait, new activities, new places, and new attitudes are captured for a legacy that you’ll cherish forever.

If your life is as crazy as mine, year after year you find yourself frustrated at the things you wanted to do, and never got done. A family portrait is something you deserve. It is too important to put off! If you don’t feel you are able to invest in annual portraits,  please consider at the minimum, owning the 4 essential images. Here are the 4 special images that will preserve your unique family legacy and become the most precious possessions you own:

Image #1 – The Early Years.  You may have missed family portraits when your children were babies. I know that is frustrating, but definitely don’t miss a custom family portrait when your children are little. At this age, a child’s world hinges on their parents, with the kids happily seeking the security of parents laps, reading books together and playing games.

You may believe that this is a luxury you can’t afford – but I promise that this image will become one of the most prized possessions you will ever own! DONT MISS IT! I will keep your image files, and you can order your portraits over time, as you are ready.

Image #2 – Pre-Teen Family. This family portrait is taken before the oldest turns 13. At this age, Mom and dad are still okay, but life is big with lots to see and do. I like to do this portrait in a place where the family spends time together; a park, the lake, etc. – it should be a reflection of your real family life and activities. When you look back at this image, you will remember how exciting family life was during that time.

Image #3 – The High School Graduate. The third essential family portrait should be taken as the oldest will soon be off into the big world to make their mark. Although you probably had photos taken for your child at graduation, it is important to create a family portrait at this time because it is the last time that your family will be together in this way. This family portrait is very special because it represents all the years you’ve invested in your child’s lives, all the emotional ups and downs of the high school experience and the challenge of passing from childhood into adulthood.

This portrait is so important, that I include the creation of this image absolutely free with every senior portrait package!  If your child has us create their senior portraits, I will give you a separate, on- location, family portrait session for no cost! Yes, it’s that important!

Image #4 – The Extended family. This is a special image of your family legacy! Though the people may change as the extended family grows, shrinks, and grows again, this portrait remains the central focus of the parent’s and the child’s home. This unique portrait is like an encyclopedia of your family history as parents reminisce the stories within this portrait. When the extended family is together, it is the moment to create this image! If you don’t, and your family changes, you will regret it the rest of your life.

If your family is your top priority, and you create annual portraits, you will have invested wisely in the complete legacy of your family. But if you can only have a portraits done, these four special  family portraits will be the most treasured possessions you own. Your portraits will be “thing” you would rush to save in the event of a fire. That’s the true legacy of your family portraits.  You will provide your family a tangible treasure for your children and your children’s children as each new generation finds themselves in the faces of the past.