Title: The Last Photo: Why We Must Make Time to Capture the Moments That Matter

I’ve taken thousands of photos in my life—portraits, families, fleeting smiles between friends. But there’s one truth that never leaves me: any time I pick up my camera, I might be capturing the last photo someone will ever have of a loved one.

And that truth hits differently when you’ve lived it.

You never know when life will change. It doesn’t ask for permission or wait for the perfect moment. It just happens. Sometimes softly, other times with the kind of finality that takes your breath away.

A few years ago, I took photos of my grandmother for Easter. She passed unexpectedly right after COVID. Those portraits—simple, casual, full of laughter—are now some of the most cherished memories we have. We didn’t know it would be the last pictures, but I’m so glad we took the time.

And that’s the thing. We always think we have time. Time to schedule the family session later. Time to take that group photo when the lighting is better. Time to be in front of the camera once we lose the weight or fix our hair or feel more confident.

But what if the version of you—right now, as you are—is the one your children will one day want to remember? What if the ordinary, beautifully real moments are the ones that matter most?

Photos aren’t just for holidays or milestones. They’re for the quiet Saturdays, the messy kitchens, the sleepy smiles and spontaneous laughter. They’re for you, your people, and the stories you’ll someday wish you could relive.

As a photographer, I believe this with my whole heart:bPhotos freeze the fleeting. They tell the story of who we are when we’re not posing. They hold space for the people we love long after they’re gone. And they give us something to hold onto when words fall short.

So if you’ve been putting off that family session… or if your camera roll is full of everyone except you… take this as your sign.

Book the shoot. Take the selfie. Hand someone else the phone for once and get in the photo. Not because it has to be perfect. But because it might be the only one you get.

Capture the moment—while it’s still here to be held.