One of the most common questions families ask is: when should we book family photos?
The simple answer is that there is no single perfect time. Family photography is worth doing whenever you want to preserve the stage your family is in right now.
Book when your children are changing quickly
Children change so much from year to year. New expressions, new confidence, new little personalities — it all moves faster than we expect.
If it has been more than a year since your last family portraits, it may be a good time to update them.
Popular times to book family photos
Families often choose to book around natural moments in the year, such as:
- children’s birthdays
- before Christmas gifts or cards
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
- when grandparents are visiting
- before a child starts school
- after welcoming a new baby
- when the whole family can be together
When should you book before Christmas?
If you want portraits for Christmas gifts, cards or printed artwork, it is best to book earlier than you think.
Allow time for your photoshoot, your viewing appointment, image selection, editing and any printed products.
For Christmas gifting, booking in spring or early summer is usually much easier than leaving it until December.
What about extended family photos?
If you want to include grandparents, cousins or a larger family group, book as early as possible.
Coordinating multiple households can take time, so choosing a date early gives everyone more chance of being available.
Multi-generational portraits can be incredibly meaningful, especially when family members are rarely all together in one place.
When is the best age for children?
Every age can be beautiful in family photos. Babies, toddlers, school-aged children and older kids all bring something different to the session.
Younger children may be more playful and unpredictable, while older children can usually follow direction more easily. Both can create wonderful images.
If you are worried about how your children will behave, our guide on how to prepare for a family photoshoot may help.
Should you book around a milestone?
Milestones can be a lovely reason to book family photos, but they are not required.
Some families book around:
- first birthdays
- starting school
- new siblings
- anniversaries
- family reunions
Others simply book because they realise they are always behind the camera and rarely in the photos themselves.
How far in advance should you book?
If you have a specific date or deadline in mind, it is best to book several weeks ahead where possible.
This gives you more choice of session times and enough space to plan outfits without feeling rushed.
You can also read our guide on what to wear for a family photoshoot in Auckland if you are planning your session now.
Ready to book your family photos?
At Photo Hive, we create warm, natural family portraits from our Parnell studio for families across Auckland.
If you are looking for family photography in Auckland, we’ll guide you through the whole experience so your session feels relaxed and meaningful.