The holidays are upon us, and that means it’s time to get together with the family. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or you and dozens of uncles, aunts, cousins, and little ones—this is the time for togetherness, and you don’t want to miss out on documenting it.

This is the perfect time not only for those family pictures you use in Christmas cards but also for candid shots. Maybe you want to photograph your grandmother telling stories about the years she spent growing up. Maybe you want to photograph the newest little addition to the family. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to whip out that camera. After all, these memories only happen once. 

For example, a few years ago, I was with my family in Minneapolis celebrating a family event at my sister’s home. Everyone was gussied up a bit, and I realized it was the perfect opportunity to take pictures. 

So, I found a nice, large window with the bright sun outside (but not streaming in) and had the various groups of people line up adjacent to the window. We took pictures with all the little kids, all the cousins, all the siblings; we took pictures in family groups and then in smaller pairs, like father/daughter and mother/son images; and we took pictures of the couples as well. 

When we were finished, I created a beautiful photobook with all of the images, and we treasure it to this day.

So now, I can’t stress enough how important it is to document these memories in your family’s life. Don’t be afraid to take out your camera and go to town with pictures.

And don’t be afraid to do a few posed pictures as well as candid shots. Those images of hugs or tender cheek-to-forehead moments are perfect. And we always love seeing siblings loving on each other. 

The point is—get out there this holiday season and take pictures. I promise you: it’s worth it.