Why you should have professional (lifestyle) photos taken
In 2013, I splurged on professional photos. For my son’s first two years of life, we had done the store photography packages. By his second birthday, he just wasn’t having any of the nonsense from photographers at Picture People. (They were super nice, but he doesn’t do well being photographed in a small space.) So in the fall of 2013, I called on my friend Lindsay Mackey to take our family photos. (3 of the 4 photos on the front of our card were taken by Lindsay.)
I knew she took amazing pictures and I wanted something more natural – and I knew that the money I spent would be well worth it.
I was so happy that over the summer I booked her again – earlier – for our family photos. I decided to use this time to also take individual photos of our son, instead of dragging him into the mall for his 3-year portraits.
My son was still a struggle to photograph. He just is. But she managed to come up with several really impressive – and canvas-worthy – photos.
With Lindsay, I get:
1. All of the photos on a disc. I can print what I want in the sizes I want, and I don’t have to decide on the photos with a child wrapped around my legs.
2. An hour (sometimes more) of time. Lindsay follows my son’s cues. She doesn’t rush him through 15 minutes of photos so she can get the next customer.
3. A more natural setting. The first year, we shot in fields and on the grounds surrounding the Biltmore Estate. This past fall, we ventured out to a field at Warren Wilson College. Who knows where we’ll end up this October?
I was so pleased that I’ve already booked her for next fall. I’m a little ambitious, but I don’t want to lose out (and she’s a busy mom of two boys. I know how life can be!)
And just to save on arguments, let’s refer to Lindsay as a lifestyle photographer. She photographs my family in a natural setting and captures moments that aren’t forced. (The photo above is not forced at all. My kid loves being upside down.)
We do family photos each year to preserve memories. I use a (lifestyle) photographer so I don’t have to stress so much about setting up my own camera and timer – and so we can all be relaxed for the photos. I love being outdoors for our photos because you can’t beat the backgrounds!
I used to spend almost $100 – occasionally more – per session at a mall photo shoot. And some of the photos weren’t great. I have a picture of my son around his second birthday holding a basketball. He has no interest in basketball and it’s the most random shot. I no longer take our son to the mall every few months for an insufferable photo session.
Do you have family photos taken each year? We started a few weeks after our son was born. I’m glad we’ve kept it up so I can see the changes each year!
*Lindsay has no idea I’m blogging about her. These are my honest opinions and if you have amazing experiences at a photographer in a store, then I’m SUPER happy for you! You are one of the fortunate families!
If we had kids, we totally would be getting them done every single year! I think its important for kids to have that record of their life, even with all of your candids, later in life having those professionals to look back on & know that you took the time & effort to document his life will mean so much to him!
I think it’s totally acceptable to have photos taken with your pets. š
I have been wanting to get a family portrait done for a while now. I think I might do one at the beach this summer.
Beach photos are my favorite!!
Gorgeous pictures! I think doing this is such an important way to keep some memories!
Thanks, Julie!
a formal event we volunteered at every year was the only professional photo jay and i had made. last year was the last time the event will be held, so i’m sure we’ll not have a professional photo of us in the near future!
Sad!! I hope that isn’t the case and you guys do end up with great photos soon. (This year. Make it happen!)
We had family photos taken when my son was born. I’m glad we did it, and want to do it again!
These photographs are great and beautiful as well; such a cute family š Yes, professional photos should be taken, as this is the best way to capture some jovial moments.
Beautiful pictures! We have had professional photos done twice – once when my son was about 2 and again when my daughter was about that age. I agree that the pictures are so much better than the mall photos. I just love our family pictures that were taken in natural settings like yours. You’ve inspired me to get more done this year since it’s been a while since we had the last set done.
I love the trend of more natural family photos. They definitely show who a family is better than the ones from a picture studio!
You’re pictures are seriously the best. There’s a huge difference between those and mall photos.
We really need to do this. It looks so fun and I want some high quality photos to put on canvas. Thanks for sharing. The pictures at Biltmore must’ve been gorgeous!
We used to do family photos when we only had 3. I don’t know why we stopped but it became such hard work. I would love to start getting some done again! I love photos.
We haven’t had professional photos taken in a very long time. It may be time again.
Those are great photos. Love taking professional photos for sure!
We are actually getting my grandchildrens first pictures taken next week. They just turned 3 months old today. Because they were only 28 1/2 weeks when they were born this has been our first opportunity. I hope ours turn out as good as yours.
I can not stand staged mall photos. I did them with my firstborn, but my second has never seen the inside of one of those studios. I love the more candid, relaxed photos like you have here. Your friend did a great job!
Nothing better than getting some professional pictures taken of the family, they make such awesome gifts and decorations for the house!
These are stunning. What a beautiful family!
I have those type of “Sears” shot of my sons from way back in the day. It was different back then. Digital cameras did not exist and regular cameras were not that good. I love your photos and they came out fantastic. I would continue working with that photographer also. She seems to deliver quality .
It’s on my to do list to have some new photos done this spring. My friend is a professional photographer and I’m going to hire her to do them for me. Can’t wait to change up my pics on my site.
A good friend of mine is a photographer in her spare time and she does great work! I can always rely on her to get the best shot. Much like Lindsey here! She did a great job1
I think profession photos are gorgeous. I am lucky that I can do my own with the help of a tripod and remote, but I don’t know how to edit them.
I have been nagging my friend to take photos of us. I love yours, so now I am dragging her!
I love that upside down pic. We have a couple like that too, and their my faves. š
I love family photos that are taken in a more natural setting. I think this summer, I will have some new photos done.
A few years ago, we had our first professional photos taken. They came out beautiful and I love them.
Those look so pretty. It’s always better to go outside of the traditional mall photos.
Amazing photography that explains how professional & skilled, Lindsay is. The photos have come really good, that explains the happiness of your family. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful post and as a photographer I am 100% sure your photographer is so incredibly excited to read how much you love her work and her. I am sharing this on my facebook page for others to see the wonderful testimony of someone who is in love with on location custom photography. Thanks for writing this