Our Annual Family Photos

Completely inspired by an adorable image of a young boy (by Lucky Lisa) that I found on Pinterest, I asked my son Ry what he would like to include on his favorites list. It’s a snapshot of time that I may forget if I don’t capture it now.

I was trying to challenge myself to see if I could recreate favorites lists for years past and unfortunately I can’t. I remember that two years ago Ry liked Legos and Captain Underpants, but I’d be hard-pressed to make a comprehensive list (memory’s a tricky lady).

So from now on, this will be a new tradition for our annual family photo album.

And since we’re on the topic, let me break out some more photos from our recent one.

We try to have a family photos taken annually by a professional photographer. We did that early on when Ry was a baby but stopped at toddlerhood when life seemed to get in the way. Life hasn’t since become less complicated, it’s just that we make these photo sessions a priority now.  I know it’s not in everyone’s budget to plan on annually, but if you can swing it, I think it’s a worthwhile investment.  Our family photos are priceless to me.

For the past couple of years our family photos have been taken by professional photographers Wendy & Tyler of Blue Lily (they have since retired from personal photo sessions– boo). They travel around the world with their young kids, homeschooling ’em, and photographing other families and weddings.

I love having team Blue Lily take our photos since they know how to bring out the best in Ry.

Once we get our photos a few weeks later (with Blue Lily you own the digital images), I just upload the photos to my photo book publisher of choice, Blurb. I always choose the Darkroom theme since I love seeing my photos on a black background. It looks so photographer-cool. I follow Blurb’s intuitive software program. And, then hit publish and off to the printers it goes.  A week or so later, a beautifully bound book arrives in the post.

I also use the photos from our shoot throughout the year to make gifts for family members, especially around the holidays. Many years ago I had custom photo bags made. Sometimes it’s a simply framed photo. Last year I made everyone in our immediate family a personalized photo pad through Pinhole Press. These gifts are always instant crowd pleasers.

Need to put my thinking cap for this next holiday season. Any ideas? Luckily I have some time and now some pictures.