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. 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. 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 and more people gain access to cameras and become familiar with its technicalities, the process of photography also became less intimidating, which in turn changes the emotional content of family photos. In short, family members become accustomed to being photographed.

Modern family photography is moving away from stiff and formal photos of the past that were often snapped inside 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. 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.

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 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 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 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. By all means, family photos are resonant of how the a certain family perceives the world.