Photos That Make You Pause

How many times have you been scrolling through your phone or social media and stumbled upon an old family photo that makes you smile? Every time I find one, I turn to my husband and say, “Look! We were just babies!” That one photo brings back a flood of memories.

Family photographs hold a powerful place in our lives. They’re tangible reminders of the seasons we’ve walked through, the people we’ve loved, and the everyday moments we never want to forget.

But for many people—especially parents—the thought of being in front of the camera can stir up a surprising amount of insecurity.

If that’s you, you’re not alone.

Why You Might Feel Uncomfortable in Photos (And Why It’s Okay)

Before we explore the beauty and value of professional family photography, let’s acknowledge what might be holding you back.

When I recently asked my son Aiden to take new headshots for me, I looked at the back of the camera and said, “That’s what I look like?” He smiled and replied, “It’s okay—photographers just aren’t photogenic.” Thanks, kid. 😄

Since deciding to grow out my grey hair, I often feel like a different person when I see myself in photos. Add to that the growing number of laugh lines, and sometimes I hesitate to be documented at all.

You might feel the same.

Common photo session insecurities include:

• Appearance: Concerns about weight, skin, aging, or just not feeling “photo-ready.”
• Self-image: Feeling you don’t match society’s filtered version of beauty.
• Family dynamics: Worrying that your kids won’t cooperate or the session will feel chaotic.

First of all—your feelings are valid. But they don’t have to keep you out of the frame.

Reframing the Moment: What You’ll Remember Years From Now

Think back to a time when you didn’t feel your best, but still took a photo with your kids or spouse. Now pull up that photo. Are you focused on how you looked—or the memory it represents?

Chances are, what stands out most now is the moment, not the imperfections.

Why Family Photos Are Worth It

Now that we have address the elephant in the room, let’s shift the focus to why family photos are such a valuable investment, even if you’re feeling uncertain.

1. Preserve Meaningful Memories That Deserve to Be Remembered

Family photos are more than just images; they are visual records of your life and the people who matter most to you. They capture moments of joy, love, and connection that are fleeting and go unnoticed in day-to-day life. Years from now, these photos will serve as a beautiful reminder of the life you lived together. If you want to learn more about how we help families preserve these precious memories, check out our family photography services.

2. Celebrate What Makes Your Family Beautifully Unique

A family photo session is a great time to put what makes your family special on display in a beautiful way. Are you an active family? Capture that! Are you more quiet and reserved? Tell that story! You can tailor your family session to reflect who you are and tell your unique family story. Explore ideas on how to personalize your session on our family session planning page.

3. Turn Photo Day Into a Fun, Bonding Experience

The prep work for a family photo session can be collaborative and fun! You can involve your family members and your photographer to design a session that everyone enjoys. Kids tend to be more cooperative when they have been part of the process from the beginning.

4. Create a Legacy Your Kids Will Treasure

Family photos become part of your family’s legacy. They will be displayed on your walls, featured at your kids’ weddings, and eventually treasured by generations to come. They tell the story of your family’s love and history. To see examples of timeless family portraits, visit our gallery of family portraits.

5. Choose Real Moments Over Picture-Perfect Expectations

In a world of ever-changing standards of beauty, family photos provide an opportunity to celebrate your authentic connection and love. The reward of capturing real moments outweighs any perceived flaws. Reach out here if you’re ready to document your family in a way that feels true to you.

Closing Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Keep You Out of the Frame

Family photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. And being present, even with your insecurities, is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give your family.

At Laura Perron Photography, we specialize in helping Calgary families feel relaxed, confident, and joyful during their sessions. Whether you’re updating yearly portraits or capturing a special milestone, we’re here to make the process simple, meaningful, and even fun.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Click here to learn more about our family photo packages.

And remember that while you are in the process, be kinder to yourself than necessary. Feel free to get in touch with us here.