are_family_photos_worth_the_hassle

Are Family Photos Worth The Hassle?

by

Christine Coughlin

,

Curious Living, Motherhood

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Let me tell you a little tale of how this day really went.⁣

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝟒-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫.” ⁣ ⁣

Photographers love to suggest the “golden hour” for the magical light you see in these photos. In parenting circles, this time is known as the witching hour.⁣

family photos in the Fraser Valley
Photo Credit: Sukura Photography

Family photos are hard, extended family photos can be excruciating. ⁣

Trying to perfectly coordinate 12 outfits for someone whom “perfectionism visits” (my therapists’ words) can be tense.⁣

For a week before, my sister and I sent photos back and forth, trying to figure out what our families would wear. ⁣

On the morning of the photoshoot, I still didn’t know what we’d wear.⁣

I didn’t eat all day because I was trying to coordinate outfits, ironing (I don’t iron), getting/keeping kids clean and doing hair. Hangry me is NEVER good for anyone.⁣

My husband and parents suggested I have a drink before the photos. To relax, they said. Alright, that seemed like a good idea. Until my husband later made a comment to the photographer that sounded like he was implying I was a “problem drinker.”

Seriously!? I snarked at him. ⁣

Photo Credit: Sukura Photography

Please photoshop out Mom’s Sweat Stains

By the time we arrived at the shoot location, I had sweat stains upon sweat stains because light blue shirt dresses are the devil. Thank god for photoshop. ⁣

The day’s highlight was when my husband pointed out that I had lost a button on my dress. I snarked, “You just love to point out my flaws! Don’t you?” Oh, memories! ⁣

extended family photos in maple ridge
Photo Credit: Sukura Photography

Why do we do this to ourselves?

Despite the pain in my ass that this day was, I would do it again in a second. ⁣
Look at these faces. These are my people. They are all beautiful and healthy, and even though some days we forget it, we will miss this phase. ⁣

So the answer to my original question, “Is the pain of taking family photos worth it?” It’s a heck yes for me but it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement in the process.

Check out: 9 Tips for Successful Family Photoshoots.
What not to do during Family Photoshoots.

Do you think investing in professsional family photos is a good idea? How do you not drive yourself and your family crazy on photo day?


Leslie at Sakura Photography was a true professional. She masterfully directed both the kids and adults and turned the shit show that was us into beautiful fake perfection for us to treasure always. ⁣

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