Remember rummaging through a box of old photos tucked away in your parents’ or grandparents’ closet? Remember the feeling of discovering forgotten treasures of a special memory? It can be quite a beautiful sensation.
For many reasons, holding onto these tiny treasures is fascinating. Some photos can be faded away, others may have serrated edges that I personally recall rubbing my fingers across as I turned the photo treasure over revealing my parents distinctive handwriting; confirming the details of the special event, time, and place.
Take a moment to visualize these sepia tone prints, or perhaps your parents’ hand-painted wedding photo from the 1930’s suggesting the introduction of color where, for so long there was none. The clothes, hairstyles, cars and scenery were all intriguing, and they still are! The purpose of recording a legacy portrait is to record, remember, and share. Today all of these memories are present, waiting for you to record. That box in the corner of our closet, still reaches out to us from time to time filled with these captured memories from the past, helping us clearly remember all the good times and how far we have come.
Assembling the memories of our lives or those we love so much is important. Important seems not to be a strong enough sentiment, perhaps imperative, is more appropriate, necessary, and/ or required. It is not a burden, but a privilege. Time slips by and we often forget that getting the family together for a portrait is just that, a privilege.
Legacy portraiture is defined as the gift of property (photographs) to be handed down. Creating the legacy portrait is probably one of the most important photographs I produce. My job, (my pleasure) is to produce a beautiful photograph that is the culmination of all of the above to make a lasting memory.
As you read this we are well into the fall season, children are back to school or off to college. Maybe you are an “empty nester” as I am. Soon, the holidays will be approaching and once again, we are presented with the wonderful privilege and opportunity of being together as families. Sometimes the preparations are enough to make us want the holiday season to be over, but I challenge you to look at the opportunity in front of you.
Approach this season with some of the following thoughts:
How many of us will be together?
Can we travel to include even more of the family than we did last year?
Could we bring all of us together for a family portrait?
Will the kids be away next year at this time?
Is someone elderly or sick in the family?
I can think of no better gift than the memory a photograph creates.
So whether you photograph your family yourself, or hire a professional photographer to help turn your family legacy portrait into a reality, just seize the opportunity to make it happen soon!
Legacy portraiture is a personal history documenting your family. We all leave a “unique footprint’ on earth and our portrait should show this uniqueness for generations to come. Look at the creation of this portrait as an opportunity to show the world your family!
The experience is priceless!
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