5 Family Moments You Will Regret Not Photographing

As a photographer and a father, I think about this constantly. Kids grow up so fast. The moments we think we will remember forever become hazy. The details fade.

Professional family photos are not about perfection. They are about preservation. Here are five moments that families consistently tell me they wish they had captured.

1. The Ages They Are Right Now

Whatever age your kids are today, that is a moment worth capturing. Not because anything special is happening, but because they will never be exactly this age again.

The way your 5 year old laughs. How your teenager reluctantly smiles. The chaos of your toddler refusing to sit still. These are the real moments.

2. Three Generations Together

If you are lucky enough to have three generations of your family alive and healthy, do not wait. These photos become priceless.

I have had countless families tell me they regret not getting professional photos with grandparents while they could. It is one of those things people put off until it is too late.

3. Before the Big Changes

Starting school. Moving to a new house. A new sibling arriving. These transitions mark chapters in your family story.

Having professional photos from just before a big change gives you something to look back on. A record of who you were in that moment.

4. The Annual Tradition

Many families book annual sessions at the same location. Over the years, these photos become a visual timeline of your family growing.

Same spot at Baker Beach every October. Same poses each year. The kids getting taller. The parents getting greyer. It tells a story no single photo could.

5. When Everyone Is Actually Getting Along

Every family has seasons where everyone is busy, stressed, or going through something. And then there are moments when things are good. When everyone is healthy and happy and connected.

Capture those moments. They are rarer than we realize.

Making It Happen

The biggest barrier to family photos is logistics. Getting everyone dressed, fed, and in a good mood at the same time feels impossible.

That is where working with an experienced family photographer helps. I know how to work with kids of all ages. I know the timing tricks. I know how to get genuine smiles instead of forced ones.