I have a story for you. Just the other day I was at the dinner table with my two remaining Grandmas, my mom, and my kids. My mom says, “We have to take family photos, Kory. This is one of the few times we’re prepared and all together.” I made a face at her. I pout as the designated photographer who just wants to be there and not work. “We have to take photos in case one of us dies.” Wow, this has taken a dark turn. “Oh Kathy, what do you think is going to happen to these photos after we all die?” My Grandma says while throwing her hands in the air. The truth is family photos are a lot of work. My other Grandma looks at me and says “Exactly, like I’m sure you threw away all of those family pictures I gave you,” she says while looking at me. I give her a look like she’s crazy. “Of course, I didn’t throw those away. I have my favorite ones hanging up by my desk. I have some of my Mom and Dad, and me and my sister when we were little. I have ones of my Pawpaw. The one I really love is of him pushing me on the swing. I would never throw those away. I have them hanging up all over the place.” “Oh, that’s good,” my Grandma said with relief in her voice. The truth is that she valued these photos too. She talked about ones that meant a lot to her, and then my other Grandma chimed in about ones that she valued too. Mom talked about how she wasn’t really crazy about taking photos, but how much they meant to her afterwards. We all agreed that while you may not feel that comfortable in front of the camera, and while you might be overly critical of how you look in photos, that’s not how your family and loved ones see them. They value them.
Photos are meant to be enjoyed! And if you never print any out, they are not fully enjoyed! I am just as guilty of this as anyone else, but I am trying to do better. Life is about savoring those little moments. When I look at old photos, I’m not looking at how my Grandma hates her teeth, but I am remembering the way her eyes close when she laughs, and the sound of it. I am remembering how pretty my Grandma is even in her old age. My mom has had some health issues. When I look at photos of her, I see how much she loves people, and how she really does take a genuine interest in others. I notice when she smiles her whole demeanor changes, and she smiles often. Photos help preserve all those details that you look past on a daily basis. I know when my kids look at my photos, they don’t see that extra five pounds I can’t get rid of. They see their Mom who was so happy in that moment, and who truly enjoyed them when they were young, (and is still enjoying them today).
I read that 77% of consumers say their collection of photos is among the most valuable assets they own. Photos are not an easy investment, but they have such high value. They take time and energy, and while I do work really hard to make that as easy as possible for my clients, I realize that you are going to be the one to get the kids and Dad onboard, and hire the perfect photographer for your needs, find the perfect outfits, make sure everyone is fed and ready, etc. What you create isn’t just meaningful for you. It will mean something to the generations after you. And that is something worth investing in.
Thanks for reading!
