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In the field of early professional photography, the real essence of family photography was overlooked. Back then, photographers have no idea how to motivate their clients, while family subjects on the other hand failed to actively take part during photography 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. The resulting photos are stiff and formal and they do not necessarily capture the feelings behind such expressions.

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 improvements in technology, changes in photographing behaviors have also become apparent. As more people get a hold of cameras and become familiar with its technicalities, the process of photography has also become less intimidating, thereby changing the content of family photos. In short, family members become accustomed to being photographed.

Modern family photography has greatly deviated from the stiff and formal photos of yesteryears that were confined within the pale colored studios. Nowadays, more and more family groups are inclined to having their photos taken at locations that have special meanings to them. It might be at their bedroom, at a favorite vacation spot, or with their prized possessions""a clear representation of 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.

Actually, there are three principal reasons why parents often commission a family portraiture: for pride, documentation of family growth and most importantly to remember things not only the faces but especially and laughter and fun during the moment. Photographing children, for example, has become so popular because for parents the ability to capture their child' early years is a priceless reminder of a time that can only be enjoyed once and can never be repeated. 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 that point on, family gatherings become less frequent, so the time spent together during family occasions become more special. Regardless if it is during a wedding, parent's anniversary or christening of grandchild, the fact that the family is gathered once again is a reason enough to capture every sweet moment from such events. 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. By all means, family photos are resonant of how the a certain family perceives the world.