How to Create a Year in Review Photo Book (Without Losing Your Mind!)

The idea of making a Year in Review photo book can feel a bit...daunting. With a year's worth of photos scattered across your phone, computer, and maybe even a few in the cloud, where do you even start? But trust me, it's easier than it seems. Like any big project, it's all about breaking it down into manageable steps. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine—no judgment here) and let's get started!

(and remember, these steps don’t have to happen all at once. Do 1 a day, or 1 a week….make it doable for you! It typically takes me a month to put this together!)

Step 1: Gather Your Photos

Start by collecting all your photos in one place. This means scrolling through your phone, digging through cloud storage, and maybe even scanning a few physical prints. Create a dedicated folder labeled "Year in Review 2024" to keep things organized. Don't overthink it—just grab the ones that make you smile! You can also create folders in your photo gallery app on your phone.

Step 2: Narrow It Down

Now that you've got all your photos in one place, it’s time to curate. Aim for quality over quantity. Pick the moments that truly mattered—family celebrations, vacations, everyday smiles, and even those perfectly imperfect moments. Remember, this book is about telling your story, not including every single photo.

Step 3: Choose a Theme or Layout

Decide if you want your book to follow a specific theme. Will it be organized by month? Events? Milestones? Some people prefer a chronological approach, while others like grouping by categories (holidays, travel, family time). Pick what feels right for you! I just go chronologically!

Step 4: Pick a Photo Book Platform

There are so many user-friendly platforms out there—Shutterfly, Chatbooks, Blurb, and more. Choose one that fits your budget and design preferences. Most of them have easy drag-and-drop templates that make the process painless. (Bonus tip: Sign up for their emails and wait for a promo codes!). I use Blurb- it integrates seamlessly with Adobe Lightroom where most of my photos are stored.

Step 5: Start Designing

Here comes the fun part! Upload your curated photos and start designing. Don't stress about making it perfect. Play around with layouts, backgrounds, and text. Keep it simple or get fancy—it's totally up to you. Pro tip: Mix in some candid shots with the posed ones for a more authentic feel.

Step 6: Add Captions and Stories

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a few captions can make your book even more special. Jot down funny quotes, special memories, or inside jokes. These little notes will bring your photos to life and make your photo book even more personal. I’ll be honest that I don’t have the time or patience for captions and I just let the photos speak for themselves!

Step 7: Review and Order

Before you hit "order," take a moment to review your work. Check for typos, photo placement, and overall flow. Maybe even have a family member look it over—fresh eyes catch things we miss! Once you're happy with it, go ahead and place that order. Future you will be SO glad you did.

Step 8: Celebrate Your Success

You did it! Creating a Year in Review photo book isn’t just about the end product—it’s about reflecting on all the wonderful moments you had. So give yourself a high-five (or another glass of wine), and get ready to relive those memories when your book arrives.

Don’t want to do this on your own? I’m available to design for you!

From Chaos to Cuteness: How to Photograph Wiggly Kids Without Losing Your Mind

Let me tell you a secret: wiggly kids make the BEST photos.

If you’ve ever stressed about your child not sitting still or smiling on command during a photo session, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. And more importantly, you don’t need to worry.

As a family photographer with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that some of my favorite images (and the ones parents treasure most!) are the ones where kids are being exactly who they are: wiggly, goofy, giggly, curious, sometimes even grumpy. These moments? They’re gold.

Embrace the Chaos (Yes, Really!)

The idea of a "perfect" family photo where everyone is smiling and looking straight at the camera is lovely, but it’s often not the most meaningful. Some of the best moments happen when you let go of that idea. Instead of forcing a pose, we let the session unfold naturally.

If your toddler wants to spin in circles, chase butterflies, or throw rocks into a creek—that’s what we do. I follow their lead and snap away. Often, it’s in those unguarded, unscripted moments that their true personality shines through. And that’s what we want to remember years from now.

Play, Don’t Pose

Think of our time together more like a playdate than a photoshoot. Sometimes little games or prompts help to get the kids moving and laughing. Whether it’s a round of Red Light, Green Light or a tickle session with mom and dad, the goal is simple: connection and joy.

You might not think a running toddler or a shy preschooler is "cooperating," but they are, just in their own way. And that’s okay! We work with it, not against it.

Let Go of "Perfect"

There’s no such thing as a perfect family or a perfect photo session. What matters is capturing the love, the connection, and the little in-between moments that tell your story. If your three-year-old is clinging to your leg while your baby is blowing raspberries, I promise you- that’s still beautiful.

Also, a quick tip: while it might be tempting to play a video or a song on your phone to calm your kiddo, this almost always backfires. Nine times out of ten, it just makes them want the phone—and then we end up with a mini screen battle instead of sweet family moments.

Trust the Process

I know it can feel chaotic in the moment. But from behind the lens, I see it all coming together. I see the way your toddler looks at you when they think no one is watching. I see the burst of joy as your child runs toward their sibling. I see YOU being an incredible parent in the middle of the beautiful mess.

And I promise when you look back at these images, you won’t see the chaos. You’ll see love.

A Note on Bribery (Yes, It Works!)

Let’s be honest…..a little well-timed bribery can go a long way. Whether it’s a promised cookie, a favorite treat, or a trip to the playground after the shoot, having a fun reward waiting at the end can help keep motivation high. Just make sure the incentive stays a post-session surprise—otherwise, you might be fielding constant "is it time yet?!" questions instead of snapping sweet smiles.

Ready to Capture Your Family Just As You Are?

If you’ve been putting off family photos because your child is too wild, too shy, or too unpredictable—let this be the sign that now is the perfect time.

Let’s celebrate who they are in this moment. Wiggles, chaos, giggles and all.

March Spring Family Session | Winding Creek Local Park, MD

My favorite time of year….spring sessions! Especially when they involve warm weather, pink trees and smiling faces.

So glad to enjoy it with this fam and capture some sweet moments under the blooms!