While it’s fun to play with new gear when it comes out, or try the latest lighting or processing techniques, it’s important to remember what photography is truly about: recording forever those that we love and care about. Even the most exciting, high-paying commercial job I will ever do will never hold a candle to shots I take of my family (grumpy as I sometimes may be about having to haul the camera out).
And in those times when we forget what’s important, we need a little reminder. Here’s one I received recently. It’s an email from a 2006 bride. She’s given me permission to post it here, and I think it speaks volumes about the importance of photography:
I keep forgetting to send you a note, or I may have already, who knows. My brain has not worked for a few months now. When it came time to find pics of my father as people remembered him, I turned to my wedding pics. We used them on the obit and pretty much everything else. I wanted to thank you for being the person to capture him and his spirit. i cherish those photos.
thank you.
Wow. That definitely set things in perspective for me. Her father wasn’t ill at the wedding, but suffered a seizure since then which took his life.
At weddings, I always try to be aware of older relatives, or those that have certain conditions where they might not live much longer. But every once in a while God brings home someone you didn’t expect him to, and that’s why it’s important for you, and me, to continue to capture those around us that we love.
My father passed away when I was 19. I am almost to the point where I have had more years alive without him than with him. After hearing this story, I asked my mom to email me some shots of us, and here they are:
A funny thing on that first picture – those of you that have seen Trevor before will probably think that I photoshopped him in, but I didn’t :) Oh and my dad looks like he’s 12 in all these shots.
So, go out and take some pictures of your family this week! I certainly will.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Lord, that IS Treasure! I thought he looked alot like you but especially so when you were a little one. I see you in your Dad too. Great pictures to have.
You are so right that we should just take lots of pictures for memories. And i do see Trevor in that first pic. Sweet memories !
excellent points. I used to give my mom hell for taking pictures of EVERYTHING we did, but its nice to be able to look back now at what shaped us growing up as well as faces we haven’t seen in quite some time. and yeah, I’m definitely seeing you in your dad!
Thank you for sharing this. This is a nice reminder. Also remember that while you are capturing those special moments and those special people to get in some of those shots with your loved ones so that they can remember you too!
I admit I’m a little emotional today, but this post almost made me cry! Thanks, Eric, for the reminder about the importance of photographing family. I love the old pictures of you and your parents. Your mom is gorgeous!
I recently did a photo shoot with my Nana, who is 86 and in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. I know the pictures I took of her are ones I will treasure forever.
Mom and Dad look awesome in their Hawaiian outfits. Those first 2 shots are when Dad came home from Vietnam on his “R and R”…I was always jealous that you went to “overseas” before me…..hahaha! That’s ok–thankfully Dad made it home from Vietnam, and then I was conceived =)