Why photos are important
It has been a while since I talked about the importance of photographs. Let’s look at this from three perspectives. First, we will examine why it is important to the person photographed. Second, we will look at it as the person having the images. Third, we will look at why, to me personally, photographs are essential.
For the subject, someone taking the time to work with them to get the best photographs means they are seen. If they pay for the session, they are pampering themselves and recognizing their value. If someone pays for this for them, it means they are loved and seen, and their value is recognized. The gift is a beautiful thing to cherish. Your individuality is seen and cherished. They have an experience they will remember each they look at those images. They can see themselves as more than just another person wandering this Earth. They have a preserved memory they can look back upon for years to come.
The person receiving the images could be the subject or a loved one. In both cases, a moment in someone’s life is being shared. Even when it is your own image, you are “seeing” yourself. You might be celebrating a goal, a milestone, or some achievement. You are recognizing your uniqueness, all that which is you. You are celebrating you. If given by another, you are being given a glimpse into another’s life in an intimate way. They value you and want to share this captured moment.
For me, I’ve been around for a while. I have had lots of pets. I have had friends and loved ones who have moved away. I have had friends and loved ones who have died. I dislike the cameras on phones, but I don’t carry my regular camera around all the time. Pets are easiest as they are home. When out with friends and loved ones, it is easy to get caught up in the enjoyment of their company and not think about taking photographs. I had the benefit, in some cases, of having a camera with me (yep, I go back to the film days) and was able to capture lots of my loved ones. Not everyone can afford a good camera. Not everyone can take great photographs. But everyone can afford to have pictures taken and turned into albums or wall art. So many people and animals that I won’t ever see again outside photographs. Capture all the moments while you can.