What exactly is it about creating portraits that makes it an experience, and not just 'picture taking'?
It's going beyond the 'obvious' technical mastery of flattering lighting
and body position. There are so many layers of feeling within a family from a lifetime of love and shared experience. More often than not, we get out of touch with the positive parts of relationships as difficulties invariably weave in to our lives. It's so easy to get off track, be less than our best. We struggle. We forget what got us this far.
Your portrait session is the reminder. Creating images is breathing space. It holds close the really good stuff that make life worth living. It is the affirmation of what we love, whether it is our family, adventures, or connectedness.
Every image I have of my children, family, and friends has a whole story to go with it. The stories may be a little yawn-worthy to others, but to me it is the fabric of my memories with them. I remember my stubborn 3 year old refusing to wear what I was sure was the best outfit ever, just for picture day. She remembers loving the discordant, crazy ensemble she'd put together. Now that she is 12, we laugh about that pre-school picture. Photos of my Granny and Grampa (yes, I spell those funny) remind me of how impossibly treasured my brother and I were as children. I will always miss them, and I will always relive the small stories of my life when I see their pictures.
When your family has portraits created, I hope it is with all your heart on the best parts of your life at the forefront.
It can feel a little vulnerable.
As the incredibly fortunate photographer I feel lucky to be let inside the clients emotional world. One of my strengths is to really understand people, where they're coming from, and perceive them as they are. It's humbling that they let me see it and interpret it for a portrait. The trust and kindness, fun and camaraderie we enjoy during our time with the camera leave me all smiles for a long time afterward. It's a huge high, a peak experience.
THANK YOU to all of you we have had the pleasure of working with. To those of you still contemplating your next (or first) family portrait adventure, we can't wait to meet you and plan with you.