It’s more than just a new profile picture…..and if it’s not, then we *might* just have our priorities waaaay off. 

There are a lot of reasons people have photos taken. Let’s talk about some that maybe you haven’t thought of. Or maybe our reasons “why” have shifted over the years thanks to social media. Whatever the reason, here are a few reasons capturing this (exciting, beautiful, one-of a kind) time in your life is so important.

I think we all can agree on just how fleeting time can be. Now, I’m not a mom, but even for me it seems like time flies by faster than I can say, “Ugh, how old am I again??”

But for those mommas and daddies (and grandmas and grandpas) out there, I know you feel just like me when you can literally see your babies growing up right before your eyes. 

Your child will never say the same cute things, or look at you the same way as they do in this moment. Right now.

Capturing the things that make your child (and family!) so unique and special is one of the best (and simplest!) things you can do to help you remember them 20 years from now. Days, moments, and large chunks of time can be easily forgotton. BUT! Seeing an old photo can take you back in time to that very moment. And that, my friends, is pretty darn special.

Now, let’s get real for a moment.

We all know how awesome it feels when we get a lot of likes, loves, and all that jazz when we upload a new photo to social media. I don’t believe there is anything inherently wrong with posting well-received selfies or iPhone shots of you precious kiddos.

The problem I do see, however, is when that new photo from your latest family portrait session ONLY makes it to Facebook! 

What do I even mean by that, you ask? Just because something is online or on your computer isn’t enough. Once you upload another new profile pic, it’s out of sight and out of mind. Make the time. Spend the money to print out those photos. Stick them up on your walls! On your office desk. Put an album on your coffee table. They are what makes a house a home.

And even more importantly, did you know that there is scientific evidence that displaying portraits of your children and your family in your home actually boosts your child’s self esteem? Now, THAT, is something to think about.

I’m even going to take this one step further and say that where you print your photos matters just as much. Just like any product, you get what you pay for. Your photographer spends more time than you realize making sure your photos are *perfect*. To then go and print them at your local drug store or supermarket will never do your photos justice. 

Imagine investing in a beautiful, high-end cocktail dress.  You take the extra time to make your hair and makeup just right. You look fabulous! …. only to be taken out on a date to McDonald’s. You then proceed to spill your chocolate milkshake all down your front. It’s a tragedy. If you’re going to buy the dress, do it justice.

And last, but certainly not least, think about the future generations to come.

Don’t let your legacy end with you.

When you’re gone, your children and grandchildren will want something to remember you by. My grandmother, who I was very close to, passed away 7 years ago. Even though she will always live in my heart and my memories, the photos I have of her help remember me even more. What’s most special to me are the photos I have of us together. I cherish them more than almost all other “objects” or “things” that only serve to clutter my life. Printing through the right company, which can only be done through your photographer, will ensure your prints will be the very best quality and last for generations.

So, take action.

Book that shoot. Print those photos. Stick them up on your walls.

Don’t just let photos of your beautiful life exist only in cyber land. Bring them into real life and remember just how precious our short time here on the earth can be.

In the words of Drake: YOLO.