Our First Family Photo

This is going to sound pathetic and totally sad.  We have had one family photo taken in the past 12 years.  One.  Insane, right?  Last month, during a photo session with a fellow photographer (and one of the sweetest friends, ever) she turned the camera around on us.  It was a strange feeling, being the one in front of the camera for a change.  But it felt good.  Here are two of my favorites:

To say that I love these photos is such a massive understatement.  They mean so much to me.  I'm trying to decide which one to have blown up for a canvas.  I'm thinking the first one. 

What makes me happiest about these is that it's all of us....each at different stages of life.  My oldest will be a teenager next year.  This is her, before the angst, before she decides that I am totally uncool.  Jill is ten and these photos perfectly capture that mischevious grin, that slightly serious personality.  Addy is the princess and it shows in these photos.  The dramatic tilt of her head, her hip slightly poked out.  It's so her.  And then there is me and my best friend, my husband.  His arms wrapped protectively around us.  He's always protecting us.  Guiding us.  Providing.  That smile of mine is real...I was so tickled to have our photos taken.  I was so glad that we did it.  We kept saying we would...yet, we we let each year slip by without a family photo. 

 It's so important to capture each stage...because it goes by so quickly.  Next year I might not be able to coerce Hailey into taking a photo with us.  Addy might lose that girly wonder that she has.  Jill might think family photos are boring.  You never know what each moment is going to bring.  You never know if you have tomorrow.  So stop putting stuff off.  Stop saying that you'll do it tomorrow...and just do it. 

 

Comments

[Sherry Eckblad]

What a beautiful family you have. I am so not a photographic person so we haven't had a family photo done in over 35 years. Sad I know.

[Isabelle Galindo]

One photo in 12 years? I think it was about time you had a family photoshoot! You owe that friend for these candid yet very sweet photos. =) And I think it’s a good idea to have an annual family photoshoot, so you can see, cherish and treasure the milestones your family would have every year.