Photos are personal, emotional art that is the glue between the generations.
Sara Frances, Denver photographer
I read that quote last week and completely agree. When you see a portrait of a great-great grandparent or other long gone relative, there is an instant connection. You study their eyes, their facial features, and wonder what they were thinking, their philosophies, dreams, beliefs. You feel tied to your roots by having that image. My husband has been following a blog posted by a Canadian saddle maker. The blogger's grandfather and great-grandfather were also saddlemakers. He posted pictures, taken circa 1902, of saddles built by his great-grandfather, along with pictures of his harness and leather goods store. His great-grandfather was so proud of his handmade saddles that he had taken several of them to a photography studio to have portraits made of them. What a legacy left to his great grandson! To see the fine detail and craftsmanship and pride of ownership...a photographic inspiration from more than a century ago!
Last week I was visiting with a groom-to-be who explained the reason they were cutting corners in other areas of their wedding plans, in order to book me as their wedding day photographer. He said that at a recent baby christening the only pictures taken had been by family and friends--and that none were of the quality to display or share. He reasoned that that was a big moment in the baby's life, but the pictures were sub-standard. He and his bride-to-be didn't want that regret looming over them in years to come when they looked at their wedding portraits.
I have been a professional photographer for nearly twenty years and have devoted myself to being trained and skilled in lighting, equipment, flattering posing (for individuals and groups) and for the myriad of situations that arise during a wedding or event. When I photograph a wedding, I am thinking not only of the bride and groom and their day, but also of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will treasure those pictures-- for the next 100 years. It is a humbling honor, and a tremendous responsibility.
