If your family has a formal event coming up, whether a wedding, a gala, or a milestone celebration, there is a huge opportunity most people overlook.
You are already doing the hard stuff. Outfits are coordinated, hair is styled, makeup is done, and everyone is ready at the same time.
That alone makes this the perfect day for family portraits.
LET'S MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY THAT ALREADY MATTERS
Let’s be honest, one of the biggest barriers to family portraits is simply getting everyone dressed and out the door at the same time.
Having portraits on the same day as a formal event removes that hurdle entirely. No last-minute hair appointments, no extra shopping trips, and no “we’ll do it later.”
When portraits happen on the same day, there’s no need to rush from the house to the event. Take a moment to pause and slow down the day just a little.
Family portraits before your event allows your family to be photographed when everyone feels confident, polished, and loved. No one is tired yet, the kids are still fresh, and you can take some time to be fully present together.
When portraits happen the same day, everything is already in place. Your portraits become part of the memory of the day, not just something extra to squeeze in.
WHAT KIND OF EVENTS ARE PERFECT TO PAIR WITH FAMILY PORTRAITS?
Look at your calendar for the next year. Families often schedule portraits before events like:
- Weddings
- Black-tie galas
- Charity fundraisers
- Birthday or anniversary celebrations
- Retirement parties
- Cultural or religious gatherings
Although, not every formal gathering is a joyful celebration. We recently welcomed a large family into the studio for a multi-generational portrait session before the funeral of their family matriarch. Adult siblings and their families flew into Saint Paul from all over the world to gather with their father, and be together. This was a rare moment when everyone could be together in one place.
They chose to use that time intentionally.
Portraits were taken with care, love, and presence. It was not about forcing smiles, but instead, a space for honoring connection and documenting a legacy.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WAITING FOR THE PERFECT TIME
Life moves fast. Families change. Children grow. Schedules fill up.
Waiting for the “perfect” time often means letting portraits get pushed off for another year, or longer.
The truth is that the best time for family portraits is often when everyone is simply together.
So if your immediate family or extended family is gathered for a wedding, gala, reunion, or even during a time of loss, this truth remains the same.
If everyone is together.
If everyone is dressed and polished.
If this moment already holds meaning.
It is worth remembering.
Take a look at your calendar. If there is a formal event coming up, let’s schedule family portraits right before it! You will be able to get beautiful portraits of your family and then head straight to your event feeling connected and present.
And if life brings an event that is harder to plan ahead for, such as a funeral or a memorial, please reach out. If we are able to accommodate your family, we will!
Family portraits do not need to wait for the perfect time in your schedule. Sometimes, the reason is simply because everyone is going to be here and ready.
