The past 12 months have seen a lot of historic events take place. From a global pandemic to escalated unrest–and that’s not even mentioning the things that transpired in our own personal lives. Did you remember to document it all? When I host a party I always remember too late–shoot, I didn’t take enough pictures! That’s kind of how I feel about the past year. Today I’ve compiled a list of 21 pictures to take this year. Some are obvious but some might have you saying–why didn’t I think of that??

pictures for moms to take

I want you to think about your childhood for a moment. Do you remember who your best friend was when you were 5? Do you remember what your childhood home looked like? That favorite stuffed animal you couldn’t sleep without all during elementary school? What about that cake your mom spent hours making for your 13th birthday?

| Check out my 3 tips for getting the perfect shot here! |

There are lots of important events that happen in our lives and thanks to technology it is now so easy to capture all of it on camera. Especially since we’re all walking around with a camera in our pockets! But even though most of us remember that oh-so-important first day of school shot, a lot of other things kind of get forgotten with the craziness of everyday life. Plus, when was the last time you actually got in front of the camera with your kiddos?

This list is not meant as an all-inclusive list of everything you should be sure to document. It’s also not meant to overwhelm you in any way! But hopefully it does have you thinking about all those little things you love (like your favorite mom and pop ice cream parlor or that gorgeous bush near your front steps) that you want your kids to be able to remember when they’re all grown.

21 pictures to take

1. actually get in a picture with your kids
2. don’t forget to get dad in a picture with the kids
3. a picture of the kids with their grandparents
4. capture a decent family shot (like Christmas card or canvas print worthy)
5. a front stoop group shot
6. the whole family in front of your home sweet home
7. document something you made together–a DIY house project, a birthday cake, even just a coloring book page
8. two different shots of your kids spaced at least six months apart
9. your child doing their favorite activity
10. take a picture of an outing to your favorite place in your town
11. at least one picture of your child on their birthday
12. each of your kids with their bff
13. get a selfie or a shot of the kiddos at a local landmark
14. closeup of a favorite aspect of your child–is it her ringlets, his smile, or your baby’s cute toes?
15. something in your yard
16. a matching picture–whether it’s family pajamas, flip flops on the feet, or baseball caps
17. a shot of something “very 2021”
18. your child with the family pet or their favorite stuffed animal
19. the best artwork your child does all year (and then throw the original away, wink wink)
20. take a candid shot of your child at home–playing video games, baking in the kitchen, reading in bed, etc.
21. don’t forget at least one shot on every major holiday

Have you started documenting 2021 yet?

Speaking of pictures, the photography in this post was shot by Britney at Your Creative Counterpart:

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