This is the complete guide to why family portraits are important.
As a mom of three and a professional portrait photographer, I may be a little biased when I say that family photography is SO essential!
Life moves quickly. Children grow, families change, and milestones often pass before we realize how much has shifted. That’s why family portraits are so much more than photographs—they’re a way to preserve the people, relationships, and moments that matter most.
Whether you’re planning your first family photoshoot or updating portraits after several years, understanding the importance of professional family portraits can help you see their value far beyond the final images.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
- Why Family Portraits Matter
- Family Portraits Preserve Your Family’s Story
- The Importance of Being in the Photos
- Family Photoshoots Capture Relationships, Not Just Appearances
- Family Portraits Become More Valuable Over Time
- Creating Meaningful Heirlooms for Future Generations
- Why Regular Family Photoshoots Are Worth It
- Book Your Paris Photoshoot with Us Today!
1. Why Family Portraits Matter
The importance of family portraits goes beyond documenting what everyone looked like at a specific age. Family portraits tell the story of your family during a particular season of life. They capture connections, personalities, and the small details that can easily fade from memory over time.
Professional family portraits create a visual record that allows you to revisit these moments for years to come.
Having your family photographed is the best way to stop time.
Whether it’s to celebrate life’s major milestones, document growth or any other reason, whether it’s your first or the eight photoshoot it will always be a different experience at a different time.
I have a portrait of my eldest daughter from her first birthday. That baby? She doesn’t exist anymore! She’s changed SO much! She’s grown, evolved into a deeper and more colorful version of herself (and lost some of that baby face.. Insert me crying.)
Portraits bring your family together, and will bring you SO MUCH joy every time you catch a glimpse of your loved ones smiling. And in hard times they can bring comfort and healing vibes. (Believe me, been there, done that too.) I even cherish the family portraits we had done when I was in chemo and could barely look at myself.
2. Family Portraits Build Self-Esteem for Kids: Photography Research Study
Did you know that studies show that having your families’ photographs hung in your house increases your children’s self-esteem!?
Honestly, I was shocked when I found that out. Self-esteem is something that so many people struggle with – especially women and girls. And to think that doing family portraits can be such a simple way to create connection AND help your kids build self-esteem.
It seems like a no-brainer to me.
In 1975, Tulane University conducted a study with a group of 10- year olds. The study chose two groups of children with below average self-esteem scores.
Over a period of five weeks the first group did no special activities. The second group was given polaroid cameras and assigned tasks. They were to photograph themselves in various poses, in different situations, and then create scrapbooks and albums with the prints once a week.
When researchers repeated the self-esteem test after five weeks, there was a 37% increase in their self-esteem!!
A 37% increase just from seeing themselves in photos for five weeks! Can you then imagine the power of your child seeing themselves in photos every single day in your home?
You can literally offer you children a gift of self-esteem and isn’t that what every parent wants for their kids?
1. Why Family Portraits Matter
The importance of family portraits goes beyond documenting what everyone looked like at a specific age. Family portraits tell the story of your family during a particular season of life. They capture connections, personalities, and the small details that can easily fade from memory over time.
Professional family portraits create a visual record that allows you to revisit these moments for years to come.
Having your family photographed is just the best way to stop the time.
Whether it’s to celebrate life’s major milestones, document growth or any other reason, whether it’s your first or the eight photoshoot it will always be a different experience at a different time.
I have this portrait of my daughter on her birthday last year. That baby? She doesn’t exist anymore, she has changed, grown, evolved into a deeper and more colorful version of herself (and lost some of that baby face.. Insert me crying.) Portraits bring your family together, and will bring you SO MUCH joy every time you catch a glimpse of your loved ones smiling. And in hard times they can bring comfort and healing vibes. (Believe me, been there, done that too. Even the family portraits we had done when I was in chemo and could barely look at myself are so cherished.)
2. Family Portraits preserve your Family Story and Build Self-Esteem For Kids:
Did you know that studies show that having your families’ photographs hung in your house increases your children’s self-esteem !?
There was well know study conducted by Tulane university in 1975 with a group of 10- year olds. The study chose two groups of children with below average self-esteem scores. Over a period of five weeks the first group did no special activities. The second group was given polaroid cameras and assigned tasks. They were to photograph themselves in various poses, in different situations, they then had to create scrapbooks and albums with the prints once a week.
When researchers repeated the self-esteem test after five weeks, there was a 37% increase in their self-esteem!!
A 37% increase just from seeing themselves in photos for five weeks! Can you then imagine the power of you child seeing themselves in photos every single day in your home?
You can literally offer you children a gift of self-esteem and ist’t it what every parent wants for their kids?
Every family has a unique story, and family portraits help tell it. From welcoming a new baby to celebrating growing children or gathering multiple generations together, a family photoshoot captures meaningful chapters that deserve to be remembered.
Years from now, these images become reminders of the people, relationships, and memories that shaped your family’s journey.
3. The Importance of Being in the family Photos
Many parents spend years documenting their children while rarely stepping in front of the camera themselves. One of the greatest benefits of professional family portraits is that everyone is included.
Your children will treasure seeing not only what they looked like growing up, but also the moments they shared with you. The importance of these photographs often becomes even more apparent as time passes.
4. Family Photoshoots Capture Relationships, Not Just Appearances
The best family photoshoots focus on connection. They document the way your child reaches for your hand, the laughter you share together, and the natural interactions that define your family.
These authentic moments often become the images families cherish most because they reflect genuine relationships rather than perfectly posed smiles.
Need some inspiration on How to Make Your Photoshoot Personal?
Check out our blog HERE for everything you need to know about how to Add Personal Meaning to Your Paris Photo Session
If you’ve never done a professional photoshoot before, don’t stress!
The most important thing to us to capture you at your most authentic. Sometimes this means bringing props, or being intentional about what you wear so your outfit feels aligned with your personality. No matter what, your Paris photoshoot should be personal – not like a stock photo of a person in a European city.
In this blog, you’ll learn all about how to do this:
For example…
- How to create a meaningful Outfit for your photoshoot
- What is your connection to Paris and how can you make it “yours”
- Meaningful Objects: ideas of items that can add to your story and portrait session
- The importance of Action and Micro-Moments
- What is your “Why?”
5. Family Portraits Become More Valuable Over Time
One of the most overlooked aspects of the importance of family portraits is how their value grows over the years. What may feel ordinary today can become deeply meaningful in the future.
As children grow and families evolve, family portraits provide a tangible way to remember each stage of life and the people who shared it.
6. Creating Meaningful Heirlooms for Future Generations: Family Portraits
Professional family portraits are often passed down through generations. They become part of your family’s history and offer future generations a glimpse into the lives and relationships that came before them.
A thoughtfully planned family photoshoot creates artwork and keepsakes that can be displayed, shared, and treasured for decades.
7.Why Regular Family Photoshoots Are Worth It
Many families wait for a major milestone before scheduling portraits, but regular family photoshoots allow you to document the ongoing story of your family. Annual or seasonal sessions help capture growth, change, and all the moments in between.
The importance of investing in family portraits isn’t just about creating beautiful images today—it’s about preserving memories that will become increasingly meaningful tomorrow.
Family portraits are an investment in your family’s story, your relationships, and your legacy. Long after the session is over, the photographs remain, serving as a lasting reminder of the people and moments that matter most.
Feeling Stressed about Planning a Paris Family Photoshoot?
Just take a breath, and remember, this process is supposed to be fun!
Check out our blog HERE to read our guide about planning a family photoshoot WITHOUT all the stress.
You will find so many good tips and tricks about what to expect, how to avoid anxiety and chaos, and how to connect with your kids so they can enjoy the process too.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot
Click HERE to book your Paris photoshoot with us at Katie Donnelly Photography.
We cannot wait to make you and your family feel confident and inspired! We do indoor and outdoor photoshoots for couples, families, and solo travelers, and we specialize in fine wall-art for your home.
We LOVE working with clients who come in with a specific vision for their portrait session. But don’t worry! If you have no idea and want some guidance, we also love helping out!
You will have so much fun with our photographers, waltzing around Paris for an hour and feeling glamorous before heading back to our studio in the 6th arrondissement for a portrait viewing session. This is when you will select your favorite artwork!
We would love to make some gorgeous artwork for you and your kids. They deserve it. So do you.
Love,
Katie (and the whole KDP team)
Ready to book your Paris Photoshoot?
Click HERE to book your Paris family photoshoot with us at Katie Donnelly Photography.
We cannot wait to bring your vision to life and capture stunning memories of your time together in Paris. We specialize in gorgeous wall-art you can hang in your home and cherish for years to come!
