(Does a photograph make you feel?) I recently spent a lot of time wading through hundreds (more likely thousands) of family photos pieced together in various scrapbooks that I had inherited from my parents. What to do with images my parents took at family get-togethers and their vacations etc.?
I finally was able to get a little ruthless in my saving/tossing process when I looked more closely at most of the photos and figured out that many of them were basically the same image; the only change was what people were wearing–my dad with his arm around my mom, or groups of people sitting around a dinner table at a holiday or gathering. (Disclaimer–back a few decades ago ‘point and shoot’ was what most people did for photographs, with limited tools and knowledge.)
Ironically, while I was nearing the end of my photo-sorting process, I got a call from an aunt who asked for another print she wanted to frame of a photo that I had recently sent her. The photo was of her and her grandson in Boston, with their backs to the camera. When they were together I had noticed much love between the two of them and was able to quickly capture a natural moment that showed this tenderness. Although their faces were not visible and to me it’s not a technically perfect image (not noticed by her), it doesn’t matter, because, in her words: “I feel so warm when I look at this photo. I can feel the love between grandson and grandmother.” That is priceless for me to hear, and makes what I do so worthwhile. And what a treasure/keepsake to have of someone you love.
How do your photos make you feel?
6 Comments
Arlene! I had time to view this today! It was such a treat to spend time with you last evening and I only wish it could have been longer! But I do know there’s never ENOUGH time, is there? I see the beauty of your pictures and words regarding grandmother and grandson. Thank you for sharing with our aunt, and with me and with your readers! Love to you in Seattle!
Loved seeing and spending time with you as well; no, not enough time. Thanks for your kind words.
You are so right that to capture the love and tenderness of relationships in a photo is a treasure.
How to find the right moment, light and settings is something that professional photographers like you do some well. I really like your photos! Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post. It really put me to think…
Thank you Urania! My aunt often tells me that whenever she walks by this photograph (that now hangs on her wall) she feels so good because of the warmth and love she sees in the image.
What a fantastic photograph! A moment with my grandmother that I will cherish forever. You managed to get both of our good sides 🙂 Still the best photo I have on my shelf.
Thanks for your kind words. You are both so lucky to have each other because you are both special people. And how special that you are able to express and feel that warmth and love with each other. Ha ha, your good sides. Thank you David!