How Often Should You Have Family Photos Taken? | Wilmington, DE Family Photographer Shares her Tips for Documenting your Family at Every Stage

How Often Should You Get Family Photos? (An Ages and Stages Guide)

Wondering how often you should schedule family photos? You’re not alone! As a Wilmington, Delaware family photographer (and a parent of four with another on the way), one of the most common questions from first time parents and those that are deep in the trenches alike is: How often do families really get professional photos taken? It's a great question and honestly, there's no single right answer. What is right for your family will depend on your kids’ ages, your lifestyle, budget, and what memories you value preserving. I’ve worked with enough families to give you a clear idea of what’s typical. In this Ages-and-Stages guide, I’m breaking down how often most families book sessions—from newborn through young adulthood—so you can find a rhythm that works for your family.

Baby's First Year: 2-5 sessions

In that whirlwind first year, babies change fast. It’s no surprise that many families opt for multiple photo sessions during this time. This is why I offer a bundled package that includes maternity, newborn, a milestone session (between 6-9 months), and a one year family session. You can learn more about this bundled offering HERE.

Toddler to Preschool (Ages 2–5): Once a Year

Annual photos during this stage are the best way to capture your toddler's ever-evolving personalities and looks.

Pro tip: Choose an outfit that shows off those chunky legs. You’ll miss them one day.

An example of a springtime session.

A session taken in the fall.

Kindergarten to Grade 4 (Ages 6–10): Every Year or Every Other Year

By now, things may slow down just enough that every other year might feel manageable, especially if you’re balancing a budget. But if you love sending holiday cards or updating your gallery wall each year, stick with annual sessions.

You’ll never regret having too many photos-- but you might regret not having enough.

For family's with grade-aged kids, I like to encourage locations or activities that reflect what a perfect day looks like for them. Think: a local park you always visit, baking cookies at home, or a family hike on your favorite trail. It’s the perfect age to capture your kids’ unique interests and quirks before the tween years hit.

Grades 5–11 (Ages 11–17): Every Year/Every Other Year (Tailored to Your Teen)

Here’s the kicker: just when your kiddo starts changing quickly again... they may also become a bit photo-resistant. In our house my 13 year old loves being photographed, my 10 year old-- not so much!

My advice from personal experience? Let your child’s personality be your guide. Got a teen who loves the camera? Keep up with yearly sessions. Have a more reluctant subject? Consider switching to every other year and save yourself potential headache.

(Me and my teen on our trip to Sedona, AZ last year)

Grade 12: Senior Photos (and Maybe a Family Photo Too!)

Senior sessions are a milestone worth celebrating—and they’re also the perfect time to update your family photos.

When I photograph seniors, I offer the option to snap a quick family portrait too. It’s easy: same location, same day, one outfit change (or not!). I even grab a few sibling shots while we’re at it.

Ages 18–25: Every 3 Years

Once your kids leave the nest, getting everyone in one place can be more difficult, but that doesn’t mean family photos have to stop.

Try to align your photo sessions with holidays or built-in gatherings. I have photographed family sessions between Christmas and New Years, and over a college-aged kid's spring break.

Ages 25+ / Extended Family Sessions: Every 5 Years

Once your kids have kids, or you and your siblings have kids, and your parents are getting older... the logistics get a little more complex.

But I promise: it’s worth it.

Even if it means photos at a backyard birthday party or BBQ (We have done this a few years running at my brother's house, grabbing a few pictures of all the grandkids and my parents together in front of his chicken coup). What matters is that you have the photo.

I especially like to reccomend that grandparents and even great grandparents be involved if it can be arranged.

What I Do for My Own Family

When my daughters were little, we simply couldn’t afford professional family photos. I would set up a tripod in the backyard and snap a few pictures to print and send to the grandmothers. It wasn’t fancy, but it was something.

As I began offering family photography sessions myself, I found myself longing for that experience on the other side of the lens—for someone else to document us with the same care I give to my clients.

Now that my kids are 13, 10, 5, and 3, we’ve made it a priority to budget for a session with a family photographer I admire each year. It’s one of the few things I know I’ll never regret spending money on. With both a teen and a toddler, these years are flying by.

Feeling inspired to book your own family photos? I’d love to help you make it happen.

Fill out my contact form to reserve your spot—I can’t wait to document this season with your family.