Just do it!!

Have you ever been asked to be in a photo & for whatever reason, you declined?

“Not feeling pretty today!”

“Oh no, my hair is a mess!”

“Let’s just focus on the kids…”

Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of high school seniors and typically, a parent (most times, mom) will join us on the session. Towards the end of the session, I might ask the parent to jump in at the end for a photo with their senior. It’s not a big deal – just catching a moment.

Unfortunately, most times the response is a “no, thank you”! Eventually I can encourage the parent to get in for a quick photo – regardless of the state of their hair, makeup, outfit. And when we go over the photos at our review session, the senior typically comments that they love that photo.

Here’s the deal – that photo isn’t for the mom/parent. It’s for the senior. Or the kids. Or someone else that cares about you. While you see yourself & all your flaws, they see the person they love. They want that photo. If your child/spouse/friend asks to take your photo, just do it!!

Even worse than jumping into a random photo, what about scheduling a family photo session with a professional? There are so many reasons not to…

“All the weight I lost/gained during COVID – let’s wait until next year.”

“My hair isn’t really how I want it – give me a couple months to change it.”

“My family just won’t cooperate. The toddler/teen/spouse will behave so badly!”

Yup, getting the family put together for a family session can be scary. Sometimes it’s just easier to wait a little bit. And then a little more… Soon, though, your eldest is getting ready for college & you realize you haven’t had a professional photo of the family since the eldest was in elementary school. Is your youngest even in any family photos??

Call the photographer & make the appointment. Extended family in town, make the appointment. Feed everyone ahead of time to avoid sugar crashes. Then get the family dressed in relatively clean & coordinating clothes (don’t worry about doing the matchy-matchy thing – just try to look like you all belong in the same place). You can be a simple as wearing your favorite team’s spirit wear to going all out in formal gowns & tuxes. Just do it!

And finally, print the photos! Digitals are great for social media but there’s nothing like a print on the wall or an album to browse through. When my kids come home, they love to go through my albums even if the photos are ones they’ve already seen on social media. There’s something special about curling up on the couch & browsing through family photos.

Here are some ideas for printing:

Print a couple 4×6 or 5×7 photos to send out to your parents/siblings/kids.

Sign up for a monthly album subscription to print your social media photos or a selection of the photos you’ve taken that month.

Ask your professional photographer about creating a wall of prints.

Take the photos & print the photos – you’ll be glad you did!
Kathleen