In the early periods of professional photography the underlying emotional and social values of family photography were often neglected. 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. 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. 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, the changes in technology have also brought about changes in behavior. 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. In short, family members become accustomed to being photographed.

Modern family photography has strayed from the stiff and formal effects of past photos that were often shoot inside boring studios. Currently, more and more family groups like to have their family portraits taken at locations that holds special memories for them. It might be at their bedroom, at a favorite vacation spot, or with their prized possessions""a clear representation of family bonding time. On a similar note, while the subjects of past photography were often compelled to maintain stiff poses while directly looking at the camera, modern photo shoots permit the members of the family to engage in ongoing activities without the need to look at the camera in order to make the shot more realistic.

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 so common because for parents capturing their little ones during their early years is a priceless reminder of a time that will never be returned again. The portraits of children in the family transcends the historical record of their growth, rather they serve as universal truths of the kids' innate innocence that will be lost 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 that point forward, family gatherings become less and less frequent, so the times spent together as a family during special occasions become more and more special. Whether it is during a wedding, anniversary or christening, the idea that the family is complete once again after a long time is already enough reason to capture every sweet moment in the camera. 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. The subjects could either look directly at the camera and be able to project his or her emotions, or engage on an ongoing activity without looking at the camera but emphasize emotion through actions. Fundamentally, family photos should be able to fully represent how a family perceives the world.