Have you ever considered having professional portraits taken and just thought it wasn’t worth the expense? Or maybe you feel like you just don’t have the time to get photos taken. Life is busy, after all. Maybe you have albums full of photos of your kids and your spouse, but none with you in them because you’re always hiding behind the camera.

Portraits are a reminder that we can still be beautiful no matter how the world perceives us—not just beautiful in a superficial way, but in our spirits, our growth, and our strength.

Capture who and where you are today.

Portrait photography is about capturing the many facets of our lives and reflecting them back to us in images: the romantic side, the strong side, the sexy side. Professional photos are something you can look back on for years to come—a way to track the changes and growth in your life. You’ll never be here again, and you should celebrate this moment.

Document today for the future.

Growing up, did you ever look through old scrapbooks at photos of your parents and grandparents? Having photos is so important not just to you, but to future generations. These images will allow them to look back and recognize family resemblances, as well as cherish their history.

Create a new tradition.

When you take the time to have professional portraits taken, you show your children and loved ones the importance of celebrating who you are and marking the everyday moments of life, not just the big ones. It’s a lesson we could all stand to learn and a great concept to pass on to your children.

Have more than selfies and images taken on your phone.

It’s convenient to carry a camera with you everywhere you go, but a selfie will never hold a candle to the glamour and joy of a professional portrait. One day, photos will be all that’s left for people to remember you by. How will you be remembered?