During the early years of professional photography, the real value of family photography was often disregarded. 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. Family stills of centuries ago were often stiff images where the subjects are literally strapped in their chairs in order for them not to move, captured by large format cameras, limited lighting and slow film. As a result the photos are often stiff and formal but does not exemplify any emotions.

It should be taken into account that just like storytelling, photos are strong indication of the ties of each family member, but more often than not past family photography failed to show this. 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. Family members are now open to being photographed, disregarding formalities and stiffness that once permeated past photography.

Modern family photography has greatly deviated from the stiff and formal photos of yesteryears that were confined within the pale colored studios. Today, more and more circles of family are choosing to have their portrait shot at a location that holds special meaning to them. It can be inside their bedrooms, at their favorite vacation area, or together with their prized possessions, which truly resonate their indebtedness to family time. Nevertheless, while the subjects from early photos were demanded to straightly look at the camera and hold stiff poses, modern snapshots allow the family to perform certain activities without necessarily looking at the camera.

There are three primary reasons why parents like to commission portraiture for the family: for pride, documentation of family growth, and to commemorate not only the faces of each family member but also the laughter and fun that that particular moment holds. 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. Children photos are more than just historical records of their growth, they are also universal truths that speak of their innocence that would be lost once they are exposed to the outside world.

The same perspective is also applicable with teen photos often commissioned during high school graduation, which is a key changing time for the whole family since it is a commemoration of a child's academic accomplishments and maturity, and at the same time the realization for parents how they are about to let go of their children to explore other parts of themselves without their guidance. From that point on, family gatherings become less frequent, so the time spent together during family occasions become more special. 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.

More than just capturing the aesthetics of every family member, family portraiture, regardless if they are teen photos, parent photos or children photos has a more important function. 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. Succinctly, family photos greatly detail how a family perceives the world.

Family photography has never been given much attention during the past. However, as more and more parents realize the real value of family photos; family portraiture has evolved into a fundamental concept that captures the heart and soul of the family. Photographing children is one good way to document the growth of one's child, while teen photos commemorate the happy memories of those times when one enjoys the comfort of his or her family.