strong | Atlanta family
Family Portraits With Older Kids
For most families, the journey of capturing family portraits often begins with "The Big Day"—your wedding. As our families grow, we become obsessed with documenting every moment, both waking and sleeping. However, I've noticed something a bit heartbreaking: as they mature, we tend to document them less and less.
This could be because our kids have grown into fully-formed individuals who may be too "cool" to pose for family photos. Our schedules become harder to coordinate, and older children often move away. But sometimes, the reason is more personal. As parents, we may struggle with seeing our age reflected in these photos. We might be tempted to postpone, thinking next year will be a better time after we've hit the gym more or tried a new diet. But what if next year never comes? I know it sounds a bit dark, and no one wants to dwell on those thoughts, but please hear me out for a moment.
Life is unpredictable, often in the most unfair ways. But that uncertainty is precisely why it's so important to capture the here and now. Family portraits aren't just about how we look; they're about who we are at this moment in time. They're a visual story of our love, growth, and connection, and those stories are worth telling, even with a few extra wrinkles or gray hairs. Wrinkles and gray hairs are not a luxury everyone gets to experience. This idea often makes me think of my dad who passed away in his 30's without ever getting the chance to experience a head full of grays, loose skin, or deep wrinkles.
Photographing families is about documenting change and celebrating different seasons of life. It’s about preserving those fleeting moments when everyone comes together, despite the busyness of life, to create a memory that will be cherished for years to come.
So, don’t wait for the "perfect" time, because the perfect time is now. Embrace the present with all its imperfections and surprises. Gather your family, no matter how scattered or busy, and take that portrait. Years from now, you’ll be glad you did, and your future self will thank you for capturing the essence of your family’s journey.
Gracie Blue Photography is a fine art film photographer specializing in documenting all stages of life with 11+ years of experience with newborn, family, elopement, and wedding photography. Serving all of Atlanta, GA, and available for travel.
Please contact Gracie Blue Photography if you're searching for a family photographer.