Why Every Family Should Do a Yearly Family Photo Session (Even If You Think You’re Too Busy)

Life moves fast. One day your toddler is clutching their favorite lovey, and the next they’re starting kindergarten. As a photographer, I get to freeze time—and I believe that every family deserves to pause and do a yearly family photo session. I’m also a mom to three young boys, so I feel especially passionate about taking photos of your family often!

What a Yearly Family Photo Session Looks Like (and then some!)

You’re going to see a lot of photos in this post, but the incredible thing is that they are all from the same family. The A family has done numerous sessions with me, more than just your typical yearly family photo session. This sweet family of 5 drives from San Antonio to Austin to have me take their photos. I’ve seen this family for mini sessions, Motherhood sessions, maternity, family and a baby’s first year package for each of their 3 children. Wow! That’s a lot! I truly feel so incredibly honored and humbled that this family spends so much time with me and trusts me so much to capture their family through the years.

Read all the way to the end for some sweet words from this mama!

Kids Change More Than You Think

From height to personality to interests, your children grow and evolve before you really have a chance to realize it’s happening. A yearly session captures those fleeting phases in a way no phone snapshot ever could.

You Don’t Need a Major Milestone

You don’t need a birthday, holiday card, or new baby to book photos. Your everyday love—the hugs, the chaos, the way your daughter still holds your hand—is reason enough.

It Becomes a Family Tradition

Annual photo sessions can feel like a mini celebration. Dress up or stay cozy at home—it’s time set aside just for you, and your kids may even start to look forward to it. You can do your session outside, go to one of your favorite places to hangout as a family, or stay at home and play board games and make the most magical fort with sheets and pillows! The choice really is yours!

Why Your Yearly Family Photo Session Becomes Part of Your Legacy

These are the images your children will one day show their own families. They’re not just pictures; they’re pieces of your family history. Sure, you’ll put some up on the walls and maybe even make an album with some of the photos. But the real magic happens as these photos are looked at year after year. You would think that they get old after awhile, but they don’t! And that’s because they are different, every year. There’s a story there and by looking at them, you’re remembering your story.

The Sweetest Review

Here’s the review I mentioned at the beginning of this post. This bond has developed because we have had so many sessions together. I want all of my families to walk away feeling this way:

“Working with you over the years has become a cherished tradition for our family. As a busy mom, I truly appreciate how you transform photo sessions from stressful events into joyful experiences. Even when the kids are having an off day, you manage to capture their genuine smiles and personalities effortlessly. They always look forward to your fun antics and the laughter you bring, making each session feel like a delightful playdate rather than a formal photo shoot.” – Melissa A.

Conclusion

If your calendar feels overwhelming, take this as a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do a yearly family photo session perfectly, you just have to do it. A yearly session is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your future self—and your kids.

Alissa is an award-winning brand, maternity, newborn and family photographer + documentary filmmaker in Austin, Texas. She serves the Austin and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in a maternity, newborn or family session with Alissa Cordoba Photography you can find all of the details here and full pricing information here. You can contact Alissa here or email her directly at alissa@alissacordoba.com