Whenever I bring up family photos, I can hear a collective sigh release. And not just with my family, I think it's an unwritten, unspoken rule that family photos are hard. And they are. But guess what? They are also important. Let me step up on my soap box for a second and tell you that your kids are going to want to look at these later on. They are going to want to show their kids what growing up was like. You are doing your modern day family history by preserving yours. But as important as they are, it doesn't negate the fact that some people dread family pictures. They are not happy with their looks, or how they think their children will behave, or even the thought of getting everybody ready. 

     In 2010, as a senior in high school, I decided that I wanted to have family pictures taken. I decided that it was important enough to me to orchestrate the whole thing. And since 2010, I have taken on the role of planning, gathering, scheduling, coordinating and everything else that comes along with family pictures. In fact, if you saw my post a few days ago, you'll know that the Jones family from 2019 was a success. 

     But guess what? 

     My family still hates family pictures. 

     It's true. The family that has nearly a decade of consecutive family pictures, chronically displayed in various frames around the house hates having their pictures taken. There are a lot of us, we are all going through different parts of our lives and may not feel up to pictures, or in the case with my family, it has been one mission after another and having a member absent from the group. Every year when I bring up pictures I get gruff and pull back, but they still do it.

     So how do I get my family to take so many pictures? By taking so many pictures. 

     It seems a little redundant and counterproductive, but hear me out. 

     By making family pictures not a big deal and something that happens yearly, it takes away the stress. Sorry to my sister in law, Jenna, because she's pregnant in this years' picture. My sister, Makayla isn't even in the state, she is serving an LDS mission currently. Instead, per my mom's agreement, her stick head held her place in the group. The location didn't work out quite as planned either, the wind at the salt flats ruined everyone's styled hair, but none of this matters, because we are taking a new picture next year. 

     If you are not happy with this years' picture, it only has to be on the wall for a year. 

     You will never regret taking family pictures. They will not always turn out the way you want. But you'll have had them taken. 

     It's only for a year. You can deal with a picture you're not thrilled about for a year. 

     Soon, you'll do it enough and pictures won't be on the same level of commitment and hassle as before. You don't even have to buy new outfits. We rarely purchase new clothes for pictures - because it's not some big, special event. Sure they are still stressful, but having them taken so often takes off the pressure.

     So there you have it, my secret to getting family pictures taken; more family pictures. Give it a try and see how you feel, knowing that if these aren't perfect, they are only for a year. 

For your viewing pleasure; a few of the Jones family over the years © Whitney Beth Photography

2014

© Whitney Beth Photography

2016

2019