The Importance of Yearly Photos

For 8 years, I was the photographer for the Chilmark Preschool’s photo fundraiser - which raised money to fund enrichment programs at the preschool, and also provided Island families with an affordable opportunity to get family photos each year.

I am very proud of the body of work that I created over that time, and I am just as proud of the way that I helped build community. And so I’ve been reflecting lately on how important it is to take family photos - at least once a year, to set aside time (even 15 minutes - my favorite session length for squirmy kids and reluctant dads!) to have a formal rite.

Yearly photos means the process is consistent. Year to year, I get to know your family and your kids get to know me and to trust me. Trust is an often overlooked variable in the success of your session: when your family trusts me, our time together is more fun, is easier, and the photos reflect your true and authentic selves.

Yearly photos means I am with you for all that life holds: the terrible twos (which, anyway, anyone who has parented a 3-year old knows is a lulling foreshadow) and the year your kiddo refused to cooperate (and we joke about it every year since), and the way that each year gets better and better because they learn the routine and know that it is worth it. I am there through the metamorphosis of puberty, through the gapped-tooth smiles and fart jokes, through new babies, through loss, grief, and all that makes us human.

And, in the end, what are photos for but to save all of that, to watch time held still in our hands.

A few (by no means all) of my favorites from over the years…