Life is fleeting. I’ve been lucky to know some people that realize how true that statement is. Please let me share a few short stories about the photographs they cherish.
One of my first clients, The Kern family, had this portrait done before their family started adding new members.
Shortly after I delivered them their portraits their daughter, Courtney, was in a horrific car accident. After the accident she had a long recovery. She even had to learn to walk again. She is so inspiring and really shows such an amazing amount strength. Her Mom was grateful that we took this portrait instead of procrastinating.
I lost my Aunt Win in a fatal car crash at 12 years old. She left behind her beautiful daughter, Lori. Lori has a very small number of pictures of her with her Mom because my Aunt was always behind the camera. They thought they would have all of the time in the world to get family portraits done.
Tragically, they didn’t, but Lori appreciates the photos and memories she has.
More recently my Aunt Suzanne was diagnosed with brain cancer and has been fighting for over a year. Now, it’s to the point that she doesn’t always recognize us and she gets disoriented very easily. A few months after her first surgery I pressured her and the whole family into having a family portrait made. She was still in treatment and self conscious about her looks, but look:
Even now with her memory fading she pulls out the album from that day and cries tears of joy that we had her portrait made with the whole family before her cancer progressed any further. I’m so thankful I got to give her that precious gift.
Pictures preserve priceless memories we’ve shared with the people we love. They are something we can keep and protect; a powerful reminder of the ones we love the most. That’s why it’s important to get regular family portraits. Please don’t wait to have your portraits made because you never know what will happen in life.
Do you have a family photograph that you cherish? I’d love to hear your story! If you’re comfortable sharing, please do so in the comments below.
