Keeping A Record

I had a conversation with a new client this last week that left me with a greater understanding of what my images mean to the viewer. Alonzo, a seventy year old gentleman, has a need for “legacy” images and I completely understand it. While searching for a photographer that had the looks he was wanting, he found my page. He has a history of shooting images of his family members, but never being in the pics himself. He desires a package of images that show how he looked at his age but more importantly, pics that his family and friends will remember him by. My gallery features images that are more about the individual than the backdrop or surroundings and he related his satisfaction with me over this. It was refreshing to hear him focusing on this need in such a fashion. I often run into individuals that shy away from the camera for fear they will look poorly in the final product. The truth is that they are doing a major disservice to their friends and family. We have a need to be recognized and to have a record of being on this planet. I have a TEDx talk ready for this subject and it has to do with my grandma, but suffice it to say that having pictures of yourself allows others to remember how and who you were when you joined in or were alive.

I am for the most part a commercial photographer and love working within the event and business class of clients. That said, often times when shooting an event or an office get together, I have to really work on some to include themselves. Commercial shoots with paid models and actors are never faced with this issue. So running into it at staff gatherings really brings me back to the need for a better understanding of just how important group pictures or individual images of yourself can be. Most events see candid images as the main list of captures, while some add formals with a backdrop. Either way, including yourself in pictures with those you associate with makes a world of difference. I challenge you the reader, if you see a camera in someone’s hands at the end of a long table and you're sitting there with those you associate with, lean forward and be included in the group shot. It not only means a lot to the company you keep or work for, but it will mean so much more to your own legacy and information you leave behind. I realize this sounds a bit dramatic or possibly morbid in nature, but adding your fingerprint to the public view is greatly appreciated by those around you.

Your feedback is cherished in this subject and hopefully you find peace in having your picture taken when you consider those around you from now on.