To say that I like to take pictures would be an understatement. People that know me well, know that I always like to have my camera near to capture moments big and small. At times I drive my wife nuts with my picture taking. Regardless though, she's always been so supportive of my passion for photography. I think photography is a great way to preserve memories but also to record history. When you can not only hear about a family member from generations ago, but also see them it adds so much by physically seeing the real moments that they experienced, the resemblances to them and a window to the people that have shaped not only your families but ultimately your own life.
When I look through older family photos, I will often ask about the person. My mother for example once shown me an old photo of her grandfather. He was a sharply dressed man and looked very accomplished. I learned a lot about my great grandfather from the story I got behind that very picture. Although it was a old picture, out of focus and falling apart I simply loved it. Not once did I think "It's a bad photo", " It's not taken very well" or "He's not dressed right" The only thing I thought was " Wow, I'm so glad this family photo exist." The most important part about having any family photos taken isn't making sure it's exposed right or that everyone is looking at the camera, when it comes down to it, the most important element is Simply. That. It. Exist.
The family photos that you take today are little bits of history that generations of family members down the line will look at and be happy to see. No matter who takes it or how it comes out. Future generations of family members are going to care about the photos you take more then you ever will. Whether you take your family with your phone or choose to hire someone to take them for you, just take pictures, lots of family pictures. I pride myself in the pictures I take for families, it's a special thing for me and an honor to know that I can play a part in helping to preserve the memories for a families future generations.