In the early days of parenthood, the days can feel long, but it all too quickly seems to pick up speed. You go from having a newborn to a toddler. The next thing you know they’re starting school, and before you can blink, it’s high school graduation day. We only get 18 years of childhood with our kids, and it’s all too easy for the memories of those days to fade unless you take action to capture those moments to reflect on for years to come.
That’s where investing in a professional photographer can make an enormous difference. “You won’t get back that time. You’ve got to be conscious that is your moment. The next year is going to be totally different,” shared Ana Laura Acosta, owner of Ana Laura Acosta Photography. Ana knows this far too well. As a mother herself, she sees her family change and grow and feels the need to capture those memories.
That’s a big reason Ana became a photographer. After years in a high-profile corporate role in Mexico City, she knew couldn’t be the mother she wanted to be at the pace she was working. She fell back on her love of art and the training she had in photography in her youth, completed a degree in art photography, and refocused her career. Seventeen years later, she’s helped countless families capture memories to last a lifetime. “What I love most is to see a family through time. Where they were pregnant, then they grow up. I like to see that transition. It’s amazing,” said Acosta.
For Ana, the best way to preserve your family’s growth is not through stiff, posed portraits, but by capturing genuine moments. “I love the connections. I love to see kids playing. How everyone interacts with each other, because it’s the greatest love. If you get a pet into that equation, it’s even better,” shared Acosta. She also believes getting out of the studio and into nature makes all the difference. “I love natural light. It’s never the same. Sometimes it’s golden, sometimes it’s blue, sometimes it’s brownish. That’s why I do most of my work outdoors,” added Acosta.
Ana recommends scheduling photo shoots at least annually, capturing important milestones like birthdays and graduations. She suggests seeking out friends and associates for local photographer recommendations when starting your search, paying close attention to reviews, then narrowing down based on the style that best fits your family. “Photography is an art. You may love Picasso more than you love Matisse. Both are great artists. So, you have to be sure that the style fits,” explained Acosta. To do that, you should review their body of work, not just one or two sessions, to be sure you see a consistency in the style you’re looking for.
A little bit of preparation before your photo shoot can reap rewards. “Talk with the kids and husband. Ask them for some time as a gift,” explained Acosta. Ensuring everyone is on board can make for a smooth experience. Ana also recommends choosing clothes for both appearance and comfort. Above all, relax and enjoy the moment. “Kids are cute, even if they are not following instructions. But if your face is angry, that’s what will ruin the pictures. That’s what I cannot fix. When you’re living your life, you feel everything is chaos. When you take a step back and you see what’s going on, everything is beautiful. They feel the chaos. I just see the love and the smiles,” Acosta added.
In the end, family photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about honoring the fleeting, ordinary moments that quietly define a life together. As Ana reminds us, you only get one chance to capture each season as it is right now. The truth is, family life rarely feels picture-perfect. It’s noisy, messy, and a little bit wild. But Ana sees what most parents can’t in the moment—the beauty tucked inside the chaos, the love swirling at the center of the storm. And those are moments worth capturing forever.
To learn more about Ana Laura Photography or book a session visit www.analauraacosta.com.
“Photography is an art. You may love Picasso more than you love Matisse. Both are great artists. So, you have to be sure that the style fits.”
“When you’re living your life, you feel everything is chaos. When you take a step back and you see what’s going on, everything is beautiful. They feel the chaos. I just see the love and the smiles.”