During the early years of professional photography, the real value of family photography was often disregarded. Back in those days, photographers were not aware how to motivate their subjects, while family subjects lacked the drive to participate during sessions. If you would notice, family photos from centuries ago were commonly rigid images where the subjects are strapped into their chairs so as not to make unnecessary movements, while being captured with large format cameras and slow film under limited lighting. As a result the photos are often stiff and formal but does not exemplify any emotions.

It should be considered that similar to family storytelling, photos indicate relationships among the members of the family, and such perspective was what past family photography failed to encompass. However, with the changing landscape of technology, photographing behaviors have also changed. Because more and more people are now own cameras and are becoming adept to its technicalities, the process of photography has become less intimidating, which in turn permit changes in the emotional content of family photos. In short, family members become accustomed to being photographed.

Modern family photography has strayed from the stiff and formal effects of past photos that were often shoot inside boring studios. Nowadays, more and more family groups are inclined to having their photos taken at locations that have special meanings to them. The photo shoot could take place inside their bedroom, their favorite vacation place, or together with their pets or prized possessions, which clearly manifest their love for family bonding time. Nonetheless, while subjects of early photos were often posed and required to look straight at the camera, modern snapshots permit the family to engage in an ongoing activity, not necessarily staring at the camera.

There are three key reasons why many parents commission family portraiture: pride, documentation of family growth and of course as means of remembrance""to remember not only the faces but also the laughter and encapsulation of fun and memorable moments. Photographing children, for instance, has become so common because for parents capturing their little ones during their early years is a priceless reminder of a time that will never be returned again. The portraits of children in the family are more than just historical documentations of their growth, but they also become universal commemorative pieces that encompass the kids' innocence that will be gone once they grow up.

The same thing could be said with teen photos often commissioned during high school graduations, which is a fundamental changing time for the whole family because on one hand it is that time when parents are so proud of their daughter's or son's academic accomplishment and maturity, and on the other end is the realization of how their child grew up so fast. From then on, family gatherings are less frequent that the time spent together become more special when special occasions take place. Regardless if the occasion is a wedding, anniversary or christening, the fact that the family is whole again is already enough reason to capture the moments that may not happen again for a long period. Family photos frame-capture the most important events and parts in our lives that serves as our daily reminders of why we work, love and live.

Today, family portraiture, regardless if they are teen photos, children photos or parent photos, is more than just capturing the aesthetics of each family member. It is a means to capture the heart and sole of the family. Subjects should be able to both look or never look at the camera and still be able to express their real emotions through their eyes and actions. Fundamentally, family photos should be able to fully represent how a family perceives the world.