Y’all; Just TAKE the Damn Picture <3
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the cherished tradition of gathering with family and friends. While this time of year often brings joy, laughter, and a few groans about holiday rituals, one thing stands out as an essential reminder: take the picture.
At The Bohde Collective, we know how much photographs matter. They’re more than snapshots; they’re time capsules of love, connection, and life’s fleeting moments. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a quiet night by the fire, or a chaotic morning with kids unwrapping gifts, every moment holds value. Yet, year after year, many of us shy away from stepping in front of the camera.
Last summer, my family and I embarked on a road trip to Spruce Pine, North Carolina—a small, picturesque town near Asheville. This place holds deep sentimental value for my husband and his parents. It was a week filled with memory-making, and while everyone was caught up in the moment, I insisted on one thing: taking pictures.
I asked my husband’s parents to pose with our eldest child. There were the usual grumbles about not being photo-ready, but I pressed on, reminding everyone that the time to capture these memories is now. Those images, with their laughter, love, and candid charm, are now among our most treasured possessions.
Why? Because life is unpredictable.
In April, we experienced a devastating loss—my father-in-law passed away. It’s impossible to put into words the heartbreak of losing someone so dear, but those photographs have brought us immeasurable comfort. They are not just pictures; they are a tangible connection to him. They remind my husband, my mother-in-law, and my eldest child of joyful moments shared.
Heartbreakingly, our youngest never had the chance to meet her grandfather. We don’t have photos of the two of them together, and that absence is felt deeply. But because we took the time to capture those moments with our eldest child, we have something beautiful to hold on to—something that tells a story and keeps his memory alive.
This is why I urge you: take the picture.
Yes, it might feel inconvenient. Your hair might not be perfect, the kids might be squirming, or someone might insist they look "terrible." But none of that matters. A year from now—or five or ten—those imperfections will be invisible compared to the love and connection immortalized in those images.
So whether you’re sporting an ugly sweater, balancing a plate of turkey and stuffing, or cracking a joke to coax a smile, embrace the chaos and the beauty of the moment.
Photos are not just for today—they're for every tomorrow. They’re for the days when you miss someone, for the moments you want to relive, and for the generations that come after you to see the love you shared.
This holiday season, make it a priority. Take the picture. You’ll never regret having the memories to look back on.
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving and a season filled with love, laughter, and plenty of snapshots.
—Caity, The Bohde Collective
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