Let me start by saying that this post is not just for photographers. This post is for everyone with any type of camera…be it a DSLR, a mirrorless, or an iphone! As parents, and definitely as photographers, we tend to gravitate towards taking pictures of the ‘big events’. Birthdays, special outings, meet-ups with friends…everyone feels inspired to document these moments. But today, I am here to tell you why you should pick up that camera and document the in-between moments. Let’s talk about the top 10 photos you should take of your family right now.

Top 10 Photos You Should Take of Your Family

As a Boston Family Photographer in the lifestyle genre, I document families in beautiful light and settings. I do my best to capture those candid moments so that you remember your littles at this stage of life. While I believe that it’s important to get in front of the camera once a year as a whole family, it’s not enough. To create a true time capsule for your family, each parent needs to be involved in capturing the every day moments too. I am not just talking about the pretty ones… I am talking about those moments that feel routine that will be gone or look very different in a few years. This is one of the main reasons I do a 365 project each year (read more about that here). Let’s talk about the top 10 photos you should take of your family life right now…and periodically as your kids grow!

1st Family Photo Must-Have: Bedtime Routine

This is a big one that changes dramatically as your kids grow. What your routine looks like now is *probably* different than it will look in 6 months or even less! The pajamas they wear, the books you read at bedtime, who puts who to bed. Capture it all!

Photo #2: You on a Car Trip

Who sits where in the car? What type of carseat are they in? Do they like car trips or are they screaming? *WHEN YOU ARE NOT DRIVING*, snap a picture of your set-up so you can remember what it looked like now!

Top 10 Family Photos You Should Take # 3, 4, and 5: WHAT ARE THEY INTO?

What your kid is into can change in a flash. They go from being obsessed with one thing to another before you can blink. While it might feel weird to document your kid playing video games or reading a book, you will appreciate having a record of what they used to love!

Family Life Photo #6 To Capture: Dinnertime

Dinnertime can be a source of stress and frustration if one (or more) of your kids are going through a picky eating phase. But someday, you won’t have family dinners anymore. You won’t remember who sat where, what your table looked like, and the things you used to eat. Snap a quick picture of what dinner or meal prep looks like right now this week!

Top 10 Family Photos To Take Number 7: School!

School is a big part of childhood. Whether you are a homeschooler or a public or private school goer, it’s part of your daily routine. Capture the drop off, the pick up, the bus ride. Capture the schooling if it’s done at home!

Number 8: IN SICKNESS and in health.

That’s right, document your kids when they are sick. Someday, sickness won’t feel as all-consuming as it does when you have littles. Stomach bugs won’t wipe out your entire family and consume every waking moment of your energy. You know that “special” bowl and those ugly towels that you use for you-know-what? Someday you’ll look back and laugh remembering it!

Important Photo #9: Your Home

It feels weird to take a photo of the front (or back) of your home but I promise you’ll appreciate it someday. You might unexpectedly move. You might paint your house! A renovation might get completed. My kids love seeing characteristics of where we used to live or what things used to look like. If you live in a place with seasons, bonus points for capturing what each season looks like!

Photo 10, Last But Not Least: ‘Mundane’ Outings

We tend to capture the special outings (museums, aquariums, birthday parties) but forget the more everyday ones. Shopping trips, playground visits, hikes. Make sure you document these too!

Alright, that’s my top 10! If you have any to add, leave it in the comments below. The way I make sure to remember to take all of these is by keeping a little list in my notes app on my phone. Anytime I think of something else that is a part of our daily routine that I want to remember, I add it!

For more tips on documenting your family or to see my lifestyle work, follow me on Instagram!