I have fond memories of being young and my mother making the yearly appointment at Sears for our family photos. It consisted of a bothered father who never dressed up and relied on my mother to select his clothes. There were my two sisters and I who loved to get dressed up but, it was utter chaos ensuring we had the perfect outfits and our hair was just right. When the day came, we all piled in the car and the typical sibling bantering began in the back seat as my father drove huffing and puffing. My mother reminded us all that it was only once a year.
When we got there, we patiently waited for our time slot, squeezed into a tight spot where we would rest one of our hands on a faux fur table and the other on a sibling’s shoulder. There was a selection of the typical 90’s backdrops; the light brown with vignette edges, the sponge painted baby blue and the nature scene.
We were forced to fake smiles in between arguing with each other while the woman behind the camera made terrible jokes and forced us to repeat ridiculous sayings and words. The session then ended, and we would head back to the car. My dad began driving away while pulling his tie loose and undoing the top button of a dress shirt, the one he wouldn’t wear again. In the backseat we tugged on our braids, pulled on our matching bows and poked at each other. Under her breath, we could hear my mom remind herself that it’s only once a year and would be worth it. I’m sure she also thought to herself that this was the only time she was ever in any photos as she was always the one taking them.
We waited weeks for the phone call to notify us the photos were ready. My mom would head to the photo studio to view the proofs and select a handful which then would be printed and picked up again.
This stress took away from the fact that this was supposed to be an annual event which brought our family joy and captured a moment in our lives. The only thing I remember about this was how unnatural it felt and the tension for the entirety of the event.
I reflect upon these experiences as I prepare to capture such beautiful moments in the lives of others and when I am actively behind the camera shooting. My goal as a lifestyle photographer is to build connections with the individuals I am working with in order to gain a better understanding of the essence of who they are. Those raw, candid moments of everyday life is what captivates me as a photographer; it is what I chase and look for.
The minute I receive an inquiry for my services the connection begins. I love hearing about the family, the relationships, activities and places that bring them joy and make them feel the most at home. I use this insight to ensure the day is planned to reflect the family I am shooting for.
The relationship with the family continues to build as stories are told and laughs are shared during the session. The family interacts and at first, the little ones are usually timid and shy. Within minutes, everyone warms up and the genuine nature of each individual shines. It’s go time for me!
There are no starchy suits, ties or dress-shirts which will never be worn again. I encourage the mommas to let the bows and braids become loose and the perfectly coiffed hair to blow in the wind. The knees of the children are usually soiled with sand and grass stains and if puddles are found, they will be splashed in. Embracing the innocence of childhood allows each child to become so comfortable that arguing or lack of cooperation is usually an afterthought. This is when the true essence of each child becomes visible. The session becomes a family outing. It is a time where everyone is enjoying each other’s company and doing something that is natural to them. Without even noticing, I am present and quietly witnessing these beautiful moments and capturing them.
I encourage you to think differently about your family photos and photography in general.
Let your kids be kids.
Let them play, laugh, grab sticks, chase each other and pick flowers.
Let the clothes become soiled and the dresses wrinkled.
Let them fall.
Let the wind blow and their hair gently whip across their face.
I promise you, by doing so, you will avoid having to bribe your significant other to smile as well as make deals with your children in order for them to be on their best behaviour. Enjoy yourself and become fully present. Look around and marvel at the fact that this is your life, the beautiful story you are living and have created.
