How Often Should You Update Family Photos?

This is a question I’m asked surprisingly often.

“How often should we actually do this?”

And the honest answer is: it depends.

Not on trends.
Not on what other families are doing.

But on the stage your children are in.

Because children don’t grow at a steady pace. They grow in bursts. And some seasons shift faster than others.

The First 3–5 Years: Every Year (If You Can)

The early years change quickly.

Faces soften and lengthen.
Baby rolls disappear.
Little hands become sturdier.

From newborn to around preschool age, I usually recommend updating family photos every year if possible.

Not because you “have to.”
But because those early seasons are short.

When families come back yearly in those first few years, the transformation from one session to the next is almost shocking. Side by side, you can see growth in a way you never notice day to day.

It creates a visual timeline — not just of your children, but of you with them.

Primary School Years: Every 2–3 Years

Once children settle into school, the pace of visible change slows slightly.

There’s still growth — but it’s less dramatic than the baby and toddler years.

This is where many families shift into a rhythm of every second or third year.

It gives enough time for meaningful change, while still keeping a consistent visual record of your family as it evolves.

These are often the years when personalities really start to shine. The dynamic between siblings shifts. Confidence grows.

It’s a beautiful stage to document without needing to do it annually.

Teen Years and Beyond: Every 5 Years or Milestones

Once children reach their early teens, I often suggest either:

• Every five years
  or

• Around meaningful milestones

Starting high school.
Finishing high school.
Before someone leaves home.
An 18th birthday.

At this stage, the value often feels less about visible growth and more about capturing your family before another big shift happens.

Because it will.

Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to document your family.

Some families follow a suggested rhythm based on age and stage.
Some come back every five years regardless of what’s happening.
Some return every single year without fail because they love seeing the story unfold in real time.

There isn’t a rule.

During your planning appointment, we’ll talk about what rhythm feels realistic and meaningful for your family. And once you’ve decided, I always make a note to touch base at that interval — just to see where you’re at.

No pressure. Just a gentle reminder when the time rolls around.

Why Many Families Return

Most of my families don’t come once and disappear.

They return.

Not because they feel obligated.
But because once you’ve seen your family documented intentionally — and you have artwork on your walls — you begin to notice how quickly time moves.

You don’t want the next five years to pass undocumented.

There’s also a small benefit for returning families. After your first session is complete, future sessions receive loyalty discount which grows after each session. It’s simply a quiet thank you for trusting me to document your family over time.

Over time, what you’re building isn’t just a collection of portraits.

You’re building continuity.

A visual legacy your children will one day flip through and say:

“That was us then.”

And then.

“And then.”

It Doesn’t Have to Be Grand

Updating family photos doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel each time.

Some families choose similar locations so the focus is purely on growth.

Others intentionally change settings to mark seasons of life.

Some sessions are big and energetic. Others are quieter.

The rhythm matters more than the scale.

Don’t Forget the Extended Family

There’s another piece to this conversation that people often overlook.

Grandparents age.
Parents age.
Children grow up and leave.

Extended family sessions every few years can quietly become some of the most meaningful photographs you own — often more than you realise at the time.

The “we should really organise that soon” moments are usually the ones worth acting on.

So… What’s Right for You?

If you’re looking for a loose guideline:

• Every year for the first 3–5 years

• Every 2–3 years through primary school

• Every 5 years or around milestones after that

That rhythm tends to create a beautifully complete story.

But ultimately, the right schedule is the one you’ll actually stick to.

If you’d like to start that rhythm — or pick it back up — it might be time to book a planning appointment and talk through what stage your family is in right now.

Because family photography isn’t really about one session.

It’s about watching your story unfold over time — and choosing not to let it slip by undocumented.