Why Every Albuquerque Family Should Do an Annual Photoshoot


Life moves fast. One day, your little ones are learning to walk, and the next, they’re off to school, making new memories and growing before your eyes. As a family photographer in Albuquerque, NM, I’ve seen firsthand how much changes in just a year. That’s why an annual family photoshoot isn’t just a fun tradition—it’s an opportunity to preserve your family’s story, year after year.


If you’ve been putting off family portraits or think they’re only for special occasions, here’s why you should make them a yearly priority.


1. Capture Your Family’s Growth Over the Years

Kids grow up in the blink of an eye. One year, they’re missing their front teeth; the next, they’re towering over you. An annual photoshoot creates a visual timeline of these precious stages, giving you something to look back on as the years pass.


But it’s not just about the kids—your entire family evolves. From new pets to grandparents joining in, these changes deserve to be documented. A yearly family portrait ensures that no chapter of your story goes undocumented.


Pro Tip:

Consider using the same location or a similar pose each year for a fun, heartwarming comparison of how much has changed!


2. Celebrate Milestones & Special Moments

Every year brings new memories—maybe you moved into a new home, welcomed a new family member, or just want to capture the joy of being together. A family photoshoot isn’t just about pictures; it’s about celebrating where you are in life, right now.


Even everyday moments—giggles, cuddles, and silly faces—deserve to be captured. These are the details that make your family unique, and professional photos let you relive them long after the moment has passed.


Some great times to schedule your session:

✔ First year in a new home

✔ Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary

✔ Before your kids leave for college

✔ Adding a new pet to the family


3. Create Timeless Family Heirlooms

Imagine looking through old family photo albums with your kids and grandkids, reminiscing about the good times. Annual family portraits become treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations.


In a world where most photos stay on our phones, investing in high-quality prints and albums ensures that your family’s legacy is preserved in a tangible way.


Ways to Display Your Family Photos:

📌 Create a yearly family photo album

📌 Frame a series of photos showing your kids’ growth

📌 Design a gallery wall that updates each year


4. Strengthen Family Bonds

Life gets busy, and between work, school, and activities, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind. A family photoshoot is a chance to pause, be present, and enjoy time together. It’s not just about the final images—it’s about the laughter, the hugs, and the little moments that happen in between shots.


For kids, seeing family portraits displayed at home gives them a sense of belonging and security. It’s a reminder that they are part of something special and deeply loved.


5. Professional Photos Capture More Than Just Smiles

Sure, smartphone cameras are great, but they can’t replace the artistry of a professional photographer. From perfect lighting to genuine emotions, professional family photography ensures that your photos are more than just snapshots—they’re works of art.


As an Albuquerque family photographer, I know how to make even the most camera-shy family members feel comfortable. Whether you prefer classic portraits or fun, candid shots, I’ll help you create images that truly reflect your family’s personality.


6. No Regrets—Only Memories

Have you ever looked back and realized you don’t have enough photos with your loved ones? Life is unpredictable, and we often don’t think about capturing the present until it becomes the past.


By making annual family photography a tradition, you ensure that no matter how busy life gets, you’ll always have beautiful memories to hold onto.


The Best Time to Book Your Albuquerque Family Photoshoot

In New Mexico, we’re lucky to have stunning backdrops year-round—from golden aspens in the fall to vibrant wildflowers in the spring. Some of my favorite locations for family photos include:


🌄 The Sandia Mountains – Perfect for dreamy sunset sessions

🌳 Los Poblanos Open Space – A beautiful natural setting with tall grasses and trees

🏙 Old Town Albuquerque – For a mix of urban and rustic charm

🌵 Petroglyph National Monument – A unique desert landscape with amazing rock formations


Choosing the right season for your session depends on your family’s style and preference. Fall and spring tend to be the most popular, but even winter sessions can create magical, cozy portraits!


Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot?

If it’s been a while since your last family portrait, now is the perfect time to start this meaningful tradition. Let’s capture the love, laughter, and little moments that make your family special—because these memories deserve to last forever.


📸 Contact me today to schedule your Albuquerque family photography session!

Book WIth Jonathan Tyler
A family holds hands while walking through a golden wheat field with mountains in the background at sunset.
Joyful children laughing together outside during autumn with warm fall colors and blurred bokeh background.
Family sitting together in a golden field on an autumn afternoon with mountains in the distance.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a fall path while their dog runs playfully around them in warm autumn lighting.
A family walks hand in hand down a tree-lined path in autumn with golden foliage glowing in the sunlight.
A group sitting together on a wooden bench at sunset in an autumn park setting.
A baby wearing a warm beanie hat and sweater shares a tender moment with family members during a photo session.
Child wearing orange henley sweater and jeans poses for portrait outdoors with natural blurred background.
A group poses together outdoors on fallen autumn leaves during a casual photo session.
A candid outdoor photo of multiple people in black hats and vintage style outfits with a warm autumn background.
A group of people having an animated conversation while sitting outdoors on a sunny autumn day.
Family group in casual attire stands together on tree-lined path during golden autumn afternoon.
A cozy family moment sitting together on steps during an outdoor autumn gathering.
A playful scene of people throwing autumn leaves in a park with mountains and fall foliage in the background.
A family in coordinated black and white outfits sits together on a wooden bench in an autumn forest setting.
A smiling group embraces outdoors during golden hour with sunlit warmth creating a joyful candid moment.
A family standing on a tree-lined path in autumn, with beautiful golden fall foliage creating a warm backdrop.
An Amish-styled family of four walking together on an autumn path while holding hands.
A group of people dressed casually in denim and sweaters pose together outdoors among trees on a sunny day.
A family poses together on an autumn day in the park with fallen leaves and street lamps in the background.
A family wearing coordinated winter outfits poses together on wooden stairs outdoors.
A tender moment between two people in a golden wheat field at sunset with mountains in the background.