Family
Why are family photos important to you?
When I was young, I used to think that if my house ever caught on fire, I’d need to grab my photo albums along with my favourite stuffed bear. Those were the most important material possessions I had.
Fast forward a few decades…
I looked at the said albums with my daughter the other day and sort of wondered why they were so important to me at the time. Other than the typical school individual and group photos, there were a few portraits of me with my best friends and cousins, but very little of my life, interests, personality and activities. Plus, my parents and brother are pretty much non-existent in those albums.
I have to admit that my mom kept a bag of family photos hidden somewhere. However, I barely ever went through them. They were still in their photo lab envelopes with the negatives, and they were kind of inaccessible to me.
At some point though, my parents stopped taking photos. My dad bought a new fancy camera that my mom, the family photographer, never learned how to use. So it’s like our life paused from when I was 4 years old until I got my first film camera.
Good thing I can still rely on my memory to remember parts of my childhood. But oh, how I wish I had more family photos! I’d love to revisit those times and share these memories with my tribe.
The few candid photos I picked out of my mom’s collection are so precious to me. I wish I had more of those. They are definitely worth saving from a house fire!
My personal childhood albums, on the other hand… They’re nice to have, but the portraits in there don’t tell much about my story or personality. They don’t make me feel anything other than, oh yeah, this is what I looked like and this is what my house looked like…
This whole childhood photography thing has me thinking. Could the lack of family photos I have be the reason why family photos are so important to me now?
I’m not 100% certain, but I do know that I want my kids to grow up knowing they are loved more than words can say. I want them to see that love when they’re older. It will also be nice for them to share our story with their children if they ever have some.
And I’m sure glad my tastes in terms of photography have evolved with time!
The importance of family photos for others
I recently asked some of my clients why family photos were important to them. Two of them have similar stories, and I think they’re worth sharing with you.
Chelsea’s perspective on the value of documentary family photos
“I don’t have photos of my mom. She passed away when I was really little, and when someone goes, that’s all you have. I wish that I had more, and giving that to my kids and then to potentially grandkids and other family members or friends, remembering me, who I am, very unfiltered and raw, I think it’s very important.”
Zoe’s reasons for cherishing family photographs
“One of my main reasons is because I lost my mom to stage four breast cancer when I was 5 years old. Looking back, the photos that we do have—sadly don’t have much of her included. I told myself that when I started a family I would make sure to get in the frame intentionally, and I have done a pretty good job at holding to that. And when the opportunity arose for the [year-in-the-life] project, I thought this is perfect, I’ll be in the frame but also in a non-formal setting where all of our personalities shine!
“I think everyone’s reasons are similar yet different for wanting family photos. I will say, Marie has an eye for detail and her ability to capture the personality of each family member is a gift. For me personally, I think the best gift you can give yourself and your children is the gift of time. These photos are a small time capsule that you will forever get to relive. I love that these pictures tell a beautiful story of my family.”
What about you?
Why are family photos important to you?
There are many ways for you and your family to be photographed. Have you ever thought about having your real life professionally documented? I offer short story photo sessions, half-day sessions, day-in-the-life sessions, and I’ll soon be launching Heartfelt Chapters–Year-long photography membership for spirited Edmonton families.
I'm Marie-Pierre, an easygoing mother of two and a documentary family photographer. I believe we can all learn and grow from other people's experiences. Real life stories help us relate to each other, open our minds and feel better about ourselves.
this blog is a collection of featured client stories, tips, and articles on various family related topics. I hope you will find some inspiration!
