For my first blog post I decided to write about Family and extended Family portraits and why they are important.

I have a (duplicate) photo of my Great Grandmother (on my Mother's side), her Mother and her Grandmother along with some of my Great Grandmother’s siblings (the ones that were born at the time of the photo). I actually knew my Great Grandmother well as she lived to be 107 and she even got to meet my first two children. However, I only knew her as an older woman.  Seeing a photo of her at the age of 13 is amazing. And seeing my Great-Great and Great-Great-Great Grandmother’s faces is a priceless gift. I really feel that everyone should have printed work of their families to pass down through the generations, even if they are not crazy about doing it. So when stories are told, there is an image to match.

My Grandmother on my father’s side always told me I looked just like her Mother. I’d love to see a photo of her, but if there are any I have been unable to find them. 

10 reasons why Family Portraits are important.

1. Preserving Memories: Family portraits capture moments in time, helping preserve cherished memories that can be enjoyed for generations.
2. Documenting Growth and Change: They provide a visual timeline of your family’s journey, showcasing how everyone grows and changes over the years.
3. Strengthening Family Bonds: The experience of taking family portraits can bring people closer together and create shared, meaningful experiences.
4. Creating a Legacy: Family portraits become heirlooms that can be passed down, giving future generations a glimpse of their history and heritage.
5. Celebrating Milestones: Special events and milestones, such as birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, are perfect occasions to capture with family portraits.
6. Decorating Your Home with Meaningful Art: Family portraits are not just photos; they’re meaningful artwork that adds warmth and personality to your living space.
7. Capturing Authentic Connections: Professional portraits can capture the genuine emotions and unique connections between family members, showing the love and joy shared.
8. Boosting Family Pride and Unity: Displaying family portraits can evoke a sense of pride, reminding everyone of their bond and shared identity.
9. Preserving Your Family’s Story: Portraits tell a story that words alone cannot express, capturing details, expressions, and moments that define your family’s story.
10. Encouraging Togetherness: Taking the time to schedule and prepare for a portrait session encourages families to be present and enjoy time together, strengthening relationships.

These portraits are invaluable for reminding everyone of the love and support they share, making them more than just images—they’re treasured pieces of family history.

Maybe I’m feeling particularly reflective because we are coming up on the holidays when we most often see our family. Do you have family coming from out of town for the holidays?  It's the perfect time to set up an extended family (or family) session! I have limited availability for right before/after Thanksgiving so give me a call or email if your family will be in the Boston area and you would like to book a session. If Thanksgiving doesn't work, there is still Christmas!

Do you have any treasured photos of your ancestors? When was the last time you had a family portrait taken? Have you ever had an extended family portrait taken? I'd love to hear about it!