The Newton Family's Annual Lifestyle Family Photography
Nothing brings me more joy than having the privilege of doing a little lifestyle family photography for the same family multiple years in a row. I photographed the Newton Family in the fall of 2020, and they invited me to return for some backyard family photos once again this year.
Travis is a colleague of mine at Le Moyne College where we both work in the Performing Arts Center. It’s always a pleasure getting a sneak peek into my coworkers’ lives and getting a chance to document what their life outside of work looks like. Both last year and this year, their lifestyle family photography session took place in their own backyard, making for the perfect intimate setting for the kids to just be themselves.
When you’re busy with day-to-day living and parenting, it can be hard to see the changes your kids are going through before your eyes. But having yearly photos taken is a great way to document your family as it grows and changes.
A few tips if you’re looking to do yearly family photos:
Let the kids pick out their own outfits (within reason). Both this year and last, Travis’ daughter got to choose her favorite outfit to wear to the shoot. It gave the adults a point of reference when choosing everyone else’s wardrobe, and I absolutely love the bright colors they ended up with!
Let the littles be little. One of the best things you can do during a lifestyle family photography session is just let the kids be themselves. Their son was going through a phase this year where he didn’t really want anything to do with having his photo taken, but as long as I just let him play, he barely even noticed the camera.
It doesn’t have to be the same people every year. Maybe one year you include your dog, and the next year you invite the grandparents. Travis’ father was visiting so we included him and his partner in a few photos, which is a great keepsake for everyone.
Consider how you’ll use the photos. Travis had printed last year’s photos and hung them on their wall. He planned to make photo books with this year’s photos to send as gifts to family members. Remember that the photos on your walls are meant to change as your family does. Photography prints are an easy and cost-effective way to update your wall art on a regular basis.
Do you have questions on what lifestyle family photography is really like? Or are you wondering if it’s really worth it to have photos taken annually? Contact me and let’s talk through your ideas. I would love to be your Syracuse family photographer!
