Why Photos With Your Adult Kids Matter (Even When the Littles Aren’t Around)

It’s easy to schedule family photos when your kids are small. You want to remember the curls, the missing teeth, the chaos of togetherness. But what about when they grow up?

One of the most meaningful types of sessions I photograph is a parent with their adult children. No toddlers clinging to legs, no bribery for smiles, just grown-up connection, captured in a way that feels natural, elegant, and timeless.

Recently, I had the joy of photographing a mother and her two adult daughters in Austin’s Seaholm District. All three arrived in coordinating shades of blue, and immediately, it was clear: this shoot wasn’t about nostalgia. It was about honoring where they are now.

There was laughter. So much laughter. And the kind of comfort that comes from knowing each other deeply, those shared glances and inside jokes that don’t need explaining. We wandered through the industrial-meets-modern architecture of downtown, pausing on the Butterfly Bridge for portraits that radiated both poise and personality.

Here’s the thing: You don’t need a big reason to take photos with your adult kids. You don’t need a milestone. You don’t need to wait for a wedding, or grandkids, or a holiday gathering where everyone happens to be in town. The relationship you’ve built year after year is more than reason enough.

And if your younger kids aren’t included this time? That’s okay. There’s something powerful about stepping into the frame with just the grown-ups. It tells a different story. One that’s often quieter, but just as full.

Tips for Planning a Session With Your Adult Children:

• Choose a location that fits your vibe. We went with Seaholm for its clean lines and city energy, but nature parks or at-home sessions can be just as meaningful.

• Coordinate outfits without matching. Sticking to a color palette (like the blues this family wore) keeps the look cohesive while letting personalities shine.

• Let the connection lead. The best photos aren’t stiff—they’re real. Walk, laugh, talk, and I’ll capture what unfolds naturally.

Whether you raised toddlers or teenagers, built your family through biology or choice, or are simply looking to honor a season togetherness, photos with your adult kids are a gift you’ll never regret giving yourself.

Let’s plan yours 💙