When pictures become important
Thursday, August 20th 2009 @ 1:29 PM (not yet rated)
People aren't "permanent", no matter how hard we wish they were. When Miriam and I started "Haugen's Photography" 30 some years ago, I was a proud young buck who loved taking photographs, and had managed to take several very nice ones. I thought it was about ... me. My love of taking pictures of the people around me.
As I found out over time, I was so very, very wrong.
Through the natural progression of being excited about every new session ... then slowly over years being pleased by the professional accomplishments ... then truthfully, becoming a bit bored with clicking that shutter again ... we started to lose some of the wonderful people I had portrayed.
As this started to hit home through my thick skull, it changed forever the way I "see" and understand what it is that I do, as a portrait artist.
Though my development as an artist is still to a certain extent, about "me", my task as a portraitist is so very different: it is about my suject, purely and simply. My ego, my sense of self, my professional pride, all have their place ... but NOT in my portrait sessions. There, a concern for my subject(s) and their families and loved ones is all that matters. I apply what I've learned and mastered to make the best image I can, but me, my skills, my knowledge, and my gear, are all simply tools to serve my subject.
It really is a humbling discovery, and therefore, quite a learning experience. A growth moment. That took me a few years to really understand. And now, as we prepare to lay to rest another beloved friend and member of our "family" of special ones, I am so reminded how important our craft, as photographers, is.
Not because of "us", but because people matter, and they matter a great deal. And so, the images of them matter. It behooves all of us who aspire to create something worthwhile with the camera, even if only better family snaps, to learn to make beautiful and gracious snaps.
Our images become the lasting legacy of those around us, the props that spur us to remember the moments and times with those we no longer can be with. No matter how light-hearted the moments we capture may be, they remain with us as a testament to the wonderful times and people we have loved.
The pic included with this blog article is a recent one by Mentor CherieRenae, and I love the way this image evokes memories. Warm summer days, gentle breezes, a life that's easy and comfortable. Are your pics of life and the people around you as evocative as this? If not, then that is something you can set as a worthwhile goal.
Peace and blessing ...
rNeil
