In the field of early professional photography, the real essence of family photography was overlooked. Back in those days, photographers were not aware how to motivate their subjects, while family subjects lacked the drive to participate during sessions. It can be observed that most if not all family stills from centuries ago were usually stiff images wherein the subjects are idly sitting on chairs without showing unnecessary movements, snapped under limited lighting with large format cameras 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. 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. Meaning, family members are now accustomed to posing at their own liberty during photo shoots.

Modern family photography is moving away from stiff and formal photos of the past that were often snapped inside 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 might be at their bedroom, at a favorite vacation spot, or with their prized possessions""a clear representation of family bonding 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 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 a trend for parents as capturing their little angel's actuation during his or her early years is a priceless memory of a time that can never be repeated in any manner, shape or form. 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 goes with teen photos often commissioned during high school graduations, which is an essential changing time for the whole family as graduation is the time when parents often feel proud about their kids' accomplishments and maturity, and on the other hand also represent the parents realization of how fast their children have grown. From then on, family gatherings are less frequent that the time spent together become more special when special occasions take place. 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 portraits freeze frame vital parts in our lives that serves as our 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 all about encapsulating the heart and soul of the subject 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.