It’s one of those things that’s easy to put off… until you suddenly realise how much everyone has changed.
The kids look different, you’ve grown as a family, and your camera roll is full of quick snaps but nothing you’d actually print or put on the wall.
So the question is, how often should you update your family photos?
Once a year is a great place to start
For most families, updating your photos once a year is the sweet spot.
It gives you a chance to capture:
- how your children are growing
- your family dynamic as it changes
- a consistent set of memories over time
When you look back after a few years, those annual photos become something really special. You start to see the story, not just individual moments.
Big milestones are always worth capturing
Outside of yearly updates, there are certain moments that are 100% worth documenting properly.
Things like:
- a new baby
- first birthdays
- starting school
- moving house
- big family changes
These are the times when life shifts a little, and having photos that reflect that stage means so much more later on.
You don’t need to wait for a “perfect” time
A lot of people delay booking a session because they feel like everything needs to line up perfectly.
But honestly, that’s rarely when the best photos happen.
The beauty of family photography is capturing things as they are right now:
- the chaos
- the personalities
- the little in-between moments
That’s what you’ll actually want to remember.
Every 6 months if you want to document growth closely
If you’ve got younger children, you might want to update your photos more often, around every 6 months.
At that age, everything changes quickly:
- expressions
- features
- little habits and quirks
Having more frequent sessions means you don’t miss those stages that seem to disappear overnight.
It’s not just about the photos
Updating your family photos isn’t just about having nice images.
It’s about:
- creating something your children will look back on
- having photos you’re actually in (not just taking)
- documenting your life as it is now, not “when things calm down”
Because realistically, life doesn’t slow down, it just changes.
Thinking about updating your family photos?
If it’s been a while since your last session, or you’re realising most of your photos live on your phone, it might be the perfect time to update them.
At Isabella Fleur Photography, I offer relaxed, natural family sessions across Surrey that focus on capturing genuine moments rather than anything overly posed.
The aim is simple: photos that feel like you, and moments you’ll actually want to keep.
If you’re ready to book or just want to find out more, you can explore my family sessions on my website.