Why it’s important for you to be in your child’s portraits 

As parents we love to document our children’s development through life. We see the importance in capturing their growth and know the value these memories will bring later down the years. We display them proudly in our homes and show them off to family and friends. So why don’t we like to be included in our children’s portrait’s? As a photographer when I’m working on a child’s session, I like to ask the parents to pop in and make an appearance in the photos. Many times, parents are hesitant and don’t want to be in the photos. I encourage them by telling them don’t worry you don’t have to post these on Facebook they are just for you to keep. Let me tell you that they always email me back telling me they love them and are so glad they popped in for a few shots. I gather a few reasons why I believe its important you to be involved in your child’s photos. 

Brings your family together

Family photos always bring the family together even if its just for an hour or so. For child portraits by just popping for a few shots will create moments of family bonding and fun memories. It’s always so fun seeing parents intact with their children and the kids love that their parents get to be part of the fun as well. It brings a sense of togetherness. It expresses the family’s love and closeness. 

Boots your child’s self-esteem 

I remember when it was picture day at school and my mom would end up buying all the pictures and it would make me feel like she was proud of me in some way it also made me feel really loved. I find those photos special till this day. Now as a professional photographer I find it even more special when I see a child’s eyes light up when mom joins in the sessions. It goes back to making your child feel special and loved. This really helps a child’s self-esteem. 

Reliving memories 

Growing up everyone gathered around the photo album and relived memories of our childhood. Pictures of our own parents with our grandparents it was always so fun. Photographs can also help family heal through hard times. At times when it seems memories is all you have, the ability of reliving them becomes so important. 

Documents family growth 

As the children get older its important to document their growth. I believe its just as important to document the family growth as a unit. Eventually the children will be adults and make their own lives. The family photographs will be memories of times when everyone was still a one house family unit. That’s when you’ll be very glad you were involved in the photos. 

I hope this made you reconsider popping in on a few shots during your children’s portrait session. You have nothing to lose and everything to win. If you have the right photographer, you’ll feel comfortable enough to do so.