When Is the Right Time to Book Family Photos?

If you’ve ever thought “We should book family photos… just not right now”, you’re not alone.

Most families I work with have been meaning to book photos for years before they actually do. They’re waiting for the kids to be a bit older (or a bit easier), for life to slow down, for schedules to line up, or for things to feel a little more “together.”

The truth is, there’s rarely a perfect time for family photos. But there is a meaningful time — and it’s usually closer than you think.

There’s Rarely a Perfect Time — and That’s Normal

Life with children moves quickly and unpredictably. One child is in a clingy phase, another has just started school, someone always has a mark on their face, and weekends disappear faster than expected.

Waiting for everything to feel calm, tidy, and under control often means waiting indefinitely.

What I see again and again is that families don’t regret booking photos when life felt busy — they regret waiting until a season has already passed. Children change, routines shift, and those everyday dynamics you’re living in right now quietly disappear.

Family photos aren’t about capturing perfection. They’re about capturing this version of your family, before it moves on.

Common Reasons Families Delay Booking Photos

Over the years, I’ve heard just about every reason for waiting. If any of these sound familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong — you’re being human.

“The kids aren’t at a good age yet”

Some families worry their children are too young, too energetic, or not great at listening. (trust me I have a three year old, I get that!)

Others think they’ve missed the window because their kids are “too old now.”

Sometimes parents want to wait until that missing front tooth has grown in, or they’re out of that awkward pimply pre-teen phase.

There is no ideal age for family photos. Every stage has its own rhythm, and those differences are what make the images meaningful later. You probably won’t remember those few weeks when little Susie was 6 and had no front teeth, but family portraits will take you back in an instant.

“Life is just too busy right now”

Work, school, sport, and commitments pile up quickly. It’s easy to think photos will be easier to organise later, when things slow down.

In reality, life rarely slows down on its own, and actually things usually get busier as the kids get older, not calmer. Families who make space for photos usually do so within the busy season, not after it.

“We’ll do it when things feel more settled”

This often comes up during transitions — new jobs, moving house, growing families, or changing routines.

Those unsettled seasons are often the ones families look back on most fondly, because they mark change and growth. Photos taken during these times tend to carry more meaning than expected.

“I just want to lose 10kgs first”

Here’s the blunt truth, you probably won’t lose those 10kgs, and your kids wont stop growing to wait for you to do so. And I don’t think I have EVER looked at a photo of my Mum and my first thought was “God Mum looks awful!” all I think about is how precious it is to have these memories with her.

So… When Is a Good Time?

Instead of asking “Is everything perfect?”, I encourage families to ask a different question:

Does this season matter to us?

Here are a few moments when booking family photos often feels especially right.

When your family feels different than it did a year ago

Maybe your children are suddenly more independent. Maybe they’re all home at once for the first time in a while or maybe about to head off to university for the first time.

Maybe your family dynamic has shifted in a way you can feel but can’t quite name yet.

That difference is worth remembering.

During a season you want to hold onto you don’t need a milestone or a reason. If this stage feels full, connected, or fleeting, that’s reason enough.

When you’re ready to exist in the photos

Many parents delay photos because they don’t feel ready to be seen — but time doesn’t wait. Booking photos is often less about feeling ready and more about deciding that your presence matters.

Booking Earlier Makes the Experience Calmer

One of the biggest benefits of booking family photos ahead of time isn’t about availability — it’s about ease.

When you book earlier:

• there’s time to plan without pressure

• you’re not scrambling around weather, schedules, or energy levels

• decisions feel calmer and more intentional

Planning doesn’t mean overthinking. It simply creates space for the experience to feel relaxed rather than rushed.

What If You’re Still Not Sure?

If you’re feeling unsure, that usually doesn’t mean the answer is no — it means you need a conversation, not a commitment.

A planning appointment exists for exactly this reason. It’s a chance to talk through timing, location, how your family actually functions, and whether now makes sense for you.

There’s no expectation to have everything figured out before that conversation. That’s what it’s there for.

A Note on Cost

Family photography is something most families plan for rather than decide on impulse. Sessions have a $150 session fee, with artwork and products chosen separately after you’ve seen your images.

During the planning appointment we’ll go over a full price list so you’re fully aware of the costs of artwork and products so there’s no surprise during your viewing appointment (because pricing surprises are the worst sorts of surprises

Knowing this upfront helps families decide when it feels right to move forward — without urgency or surprise.

If You’re Waiting for “Someday”

The families who come back years later don’t say “I wish we’d waited until things were calmer.”
They say “I’m so glad we did this when we did.”

If you’re thinking about family photos, even quietly, it’s usually worth talking about. You don’t need to decide anything yet — just start the conversation.

If you’d like to book a consult and talk through timing for your family, you’re very welcome to get in touch.