Beyond the Holiday Card: Why Family Photos Are Your Legacy
Hoboken | NJ | NYC | Family Photographer
As a family photographer and a mom myself, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the memories we create and how we hold onto them. I keep my passport in a pouch that I first got when I first made my journey to the US from Germany. And at some point I put a photograph of my grandmother (“Omi”) and I into the pouch — a printed one you can actually hold in your hand. It is me, a 8 year old little girl with a gap-toothed smile, with my arm around my Omi.
The photo isn’t perfect; it is slightly blurry and the colors are off, but it instantly takes me back to that moment. I can almost feel the warmth of her hand, hear her laugh, and feel the softness of the most comfy chair.
Anytime I find that picture on my international travels, maybe once or twice a year, I truly understand what I do for a living. It’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about bottling up those feelings, those tiny, fleeting moments that make up our lives. These aren’t just pictures; they’re the tangible proof of our shared experiences. They’re a record of our journey as a family, a visual timeline of our lives.
The Magic of the Imperfect
Think about your own family’s photo albums. What’s your favorite picture? Is it the one where everyone is smiling perfectly at the camera, or is it the one where your kids are mid-laugh, faces scrunched up with pure joy? As a family photographer who takes pictures in New York City, Hoboken, and the surrounding areas, I’ve found that the most treasured photos are rarely the posed ones. They’re the ones that capture the chaos, the love, and the little quirks that make your family unique.
Remember those chubby little fingers that used to wrap around your own? Or the way your toddler’s whole body would shake with giggles? The epic eye roll by your tween? These are the moments that a photograph can preserve. A beautiful photograph can take you back to the way your child’s hand felt in yours, the smell of their hair after a day at the park, or the sound of their little feet running down the hallway.
Beyond the “Perfect” Shot
So, let’s ditch the pressure to create the “perfect” image and embrace the beauty of real, authentic moments. Let’s capture the messy, the silly, the heartfelt, and everything in between.
Let’s invest in creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s recognize the true value of family photos as a cherished legacy, a gift that will be treasured for generations to come.
Next time you’re thinking about family pictures, remember: it’s not just about the holiday card. It’s about capturing a piece of your family’s story, a story that deserves to be told and remembered.
Capture life’s beautiful moments with kim lorraine photography, a family and branding photographer serving Hoboken, NYC, Essex County, Bergen County, Westchester County, and Monmouth County. Specializing in authentic family photography, professional branding sessions, and expressive kids’ headshots. Let’s tell your unique story together.
