When I was pregnant with our son I took weekly photos documenting my growing belly. And after he was born I snapped monthly photos documenting his growth and videos capturing many milestones.

As our son grew up, I continued to take many photos. I enjoyed the process of taking photos, choosing my favorites and making photo books, scrapbooks and other mementos for our family.

We didn't buy professional photos of our family until last summer. And now we've seen how beautiful they can turn out (even with three kids under five). Our kids' personalities were captured along with their smiles. I know it's going to be difficult to choose exactly when to get professional family photos taken and when to just use the camera on my phone.

Although there is a clear difference in the quality of the image, my phone is with me to capture the everyday family moments. The spontaneous sibling hugs, kisses and cuddles. Maybe one of these days I'll buy a higher quality camera to take along with us, but right now an actual camera is just one more thing I can accidentally leave at home or lose at a park.

I still don't know how often our family will take professional photos, but I am so grateful that we attempted family photos while we had a newborn at home.

Did your family have professional photos taken? How old were your kids? Did they turn out as you had hoped?