Cuddle, love, kiss, play, you name it. Frankly be present in your child’s life.

You’ve heard this advice as a parent that we must be actively involved in listening, answering and participating in our kids’ lives and many of us truly try to utilise this advice. Most of us have thought about booking a family portrait photo session but it just hasn’t happened yet.     I am too busy, I need to lose 10 more pounds, I need to have my hair done and it is hard to get everyone together or “I don’t look good on photos”.……I’ve heard these many times.

If you have been thinking about having your family photo taken, do it. Do it for your kids. They will not notice the roots in your hair or the few extra pounds. They will only see your smile and remember the tight hugs and kisses. I assure you they will be disappointed if one day there is not enough photos to show their own kids. 

People move, children grow, families are separated for various reasons. Why I am presenting you with such a personal message? Because most of us realise the importance of photos when it is too late. Many of us start looking for photos of someone dear when he is gone. It is only natural, and we want to remember. Sometimes we laugh and are grateful for having these photos taken and sometimes with frustration as most photos you have are quick mobile snaps, very often blurry or low quality. And because I want you to stop and think of the importance of visual memories and the moments that are lost forever because there is never time. Life goes for good but the quiet pitter-patter of tiny feet concurring the stairs, or the big smile with the first tooth fallen out will be gone if you don’t capture this moment.

Winter fun

I don't remember much of my grandmother apart from her being always nice to us and trying to buy the entire range from the coffee shop’s morning range as she didn't know what we will like for breakfast. She was this sweet. But I do remember vividly one moment. Grandma was sitting tired in the shadow of the front porch and our dog was sleeping in her feet. I went to kiss her and cuddled in. This minute spend with her about 30 year ago is still alive in my memory only because my sister took a photo there and then. Many other moments are gone, and I try tricks to make my memories come back but they don't. When I see this photograph though everything comes alive. I can almost feel her smell and the summer breeze. Most of the memories of my childhoods are gone as photography gear and opportunities were not as many then as they are today, and I was too little to remember. If I had more photos like the one with my granny and doggy, I could’ve revived this memories and my past experiences, emotions, fears…. everything. I know how almost physically hurt I feel when I can’t revive a memory and I so want you not to experience the same in some years along the way.

Take photos yourself, book photo sessions, make selfies, anything to capture this second that will bring tears to your eyes later. Don't let a moment slip on unrecorded.

Baby holding onto his mum's feetBaby holding onto his mum's feet Every moment you share with your loved once you believe you will never forget. But you will forget, and you kids will too. Especially when they grow up. They will fly off the nest and get on with their own lives. There is a cure for this and it is called family legacy. The family memory that lives along with generations and retells them the story of their existence.

It is amazing how good and proud we feel when we see our family portrait. It tells a story about creating this fabulous humans, about overcoming fears and arguments and stick together. The visual story of moments we shared. It teaches us to treasure more the present and not focus only on creating the future

The importance of family portrait to children self-esteem is enormous too. They become connected to their ancestors, to the beginning of their story and get to know themselves since they were growing in mummy’s belly.  They feel loved, celebrated and they know their belonging. They will remember all the emotion in a way words cannot express.

Do not pass on this without acting today. I urge you to print your family photos and hang them on the walls. Enlarge a professional photograph to document those emotions and stages of life on a regular basis as kids grow. Take photos and book professional family photo sessions regularly. And print.

Don’t excuse yourself with “I don’t look good on photos”. Everyone does look fabulous when they smile with their heart and enjoy the moment.  Get your extended family involved too. Great reason to get them all together.

Check out some of the families who have recently had their family portraits taken in Greenwich park and Eltham in South East London.

Read more about our outdoor family photo sessions in Greenwich and Eltham and book you own today.