Some sessions quietly become a tradition, and those are the ones that tug at my heart the most. Everly and Cooper’s yearly portraits are exactly that. Every year, their grandma travels in from California, and every year she makes sure a photo session is on the calendar. This marks the third year in a row she has trusted me with capturing her grandbabies, and it never stops feeling special. When families make photography part of their rhythm, it becomes more than pictures. It becomes memory keeping in its truest form.
The Beginning of a Family Tradition
When Everly first came to see me three years ago, she was what I lovingly call a wild child in the best way. Curious, energetic, always moving, and not exactly interested in sitting still for portraits. Fast forward to this year, and I could hardly believe the transformation. Everly listened so well, followed verbal cues like a champ, and showed off just how much she has grown. Watching that kind of growth through my lens year after year is one of the greatest joys of this job.
This year also brought a new face to the studio. Cooper, just five months old, joined his big sister for his first yearly session. While he is not quite sitting on his own yet, with a little support, he did beautifully. He smiled, soaked up his sister’s cuddles, and took in everything around him with those curious baby eyes. The way he looked at Everly said everything. Big sisters are pretty magical when you are that small.
Grandma requested classic navy blue and white tones for their session, and they were the perfect choice. Timeless, clean, and elegant, these colors let the focus stay exactly where it belongs. On their expressions, their connection, and the sweet stage of life they are in right now. These images will be displayed alongside their previous portraits in her front room, telling a story year after year as the kids grow and change.
One of the most meaningful parts of this session is the why behind it.
Grandma shared that photography is important to her because she lives far away and wants to capture her grandbabies as they grow. When distance separates families, photographs become something you can hold onto. They bridge the gap between visits and freeze moments that pass far too quickly.
Yearly sessions like this are such a gift. Not just for grandparents, but for parents and kids too. One day, Everly and Cooper will look back and see how loved they were, how consistently they were documented, and how much effort was made to preserve their story.
If you have ever thought, “We should really start doing yearly photos,” let this be your sign. Whether you live close or far away, whether your babies are brand new or suddenly listening better than ever, these moments deserve to be captured. If you are ready to start or continue a tradition for your family, I would love to help you tell that story.
Reach out, get on the calendar, and let’s make memories you will be grateful for year after year.
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