Photography

There are a million reasons why you should have pictures, but family is the most compelling of all.  Before we talk about family, let’s talk about your brain.

It’s hard not to make this a science lesson about how the human brain stores pictures, the experiences that made them, and the feelings attached to those images.  However, simply put — when you look at a photograph, it makes you recall what was happening, where it took place and who you were connected to in that moment.  Of all our senses, your vision has the strongest influence on forming memories.  When you see something, the information makes its way to your brain and is stored there for later recall. No, that’s not high school science – but it’s real science that’s actually useful. Well, at least for some of us. LOL

Pictures trigger feelings.  I challenge anyone who looks at a family picture not to feel something (hopefully it’s a good feeling!).  

The photography may have been an important life event or maybe just a random moment, but the photograph captures a moment if our life that will never happen again, and often tells a story of a life lived and a connection to another.  

Life changes.  Families change.

Your life goes through changes.  Sometimes you plan for these changes (children growing up and moving out, marriages and additions to families, even aging grandparents), and sometimes you don’t (death in a family, a bonus baby, or an illness that changes the rhythm of your life).

Regardless of the reason, a photograph captures that moment in time that will never be forgotten.  Older people often look back on a life well-lived, and younger people feel connected to those who came before them and are part of their personal history.  

It is always interesting to observe the reactions of our clients shortly after their session is over, via a sneak peek, or delivery of a full gallery.  Reactions indicate the time they spent is valuable in the present; it helps them remember a happy time or a specific celebration.  Over time, returning clients come back and tell us their real value comes from the memories they have, and the language they use changes to priceless.  They remember connections, and what was important to them.  

Family portraits are the most unique gift you can give.

Getting pictures done is a gift to yourself and everyone you share them with.  Family wall art is often a focal point in a home and is more treasured and talked about than mass-produced art you buy from a store.  Photographs are investments because they are kept for long periods of time and nicely framed or mounted photos are most often saved and handed down as family heirlooms.

We know life is hectic.  We have grown children, grandchildren and have lost parents, grandparents and other family members.  We’ve held jobs and travelled, had promotions, lost favourite pets, had milestone birthdays, family weddings — all the things that fill a life, and the photos on the wall and even the ones that are saved in boxes are the things that we’d save first in a fire, make us laugh, bring tears to our eyes, and share with people we care about.  

Look around at your home right now.  Imagine having a group of professional, colourful pictures of your favourite, smiling faces staring back at you every day.  When you can no longer look at those faces in real time, or talk to that person who makes you laugh, you’ll have your memories to comfort you.

Families are forever.  And so are photographs.