A Family Portrait is a Gift Encapsulating the Past, the Present and the Future.

Recently, I was perusing through a coffee table book I put together for a couples 50th wedding anniversary. The images were in my opinion, priceless.  The backdrop, was their family cabin, the one they had been vacationing at since their children were small. In attendance were the couple, their children, and their grandchildren. I spent a couple of hours there that day, and I captured a lot more than a simple depiction of what their family looked like, at that point in time. I captured the essence of what makes a family, a family. 

I purposely shot images which wove together the past, and the present. A group shot around the old swing set, images of siblings splashing in the cool lake water, and tons of memorabilia from fifty years well spent. I captured laughter, and love, and even a touch of sibling rivalry.

The outcome was a small, but monumental book. It was a gift purchased by the couple's children. This book was one that was meant to be passed on to future generations, but was also meant to give the present generation a sense of the ties that bind. It was  compact enough, that in the event of possible downsizing, the couple could easily incorporate it into a smaller living space. One could  view it as a sort of time capsule, capturing the past, the present, and conserving it for the future.

I believe that no matter what stage a family is at, whether it be the 50 year mark, or ground zero, a family portrait should not only capture the most flattering image of each individual, but at the same time  express the quirks,  the positive interactions, the joy, the laughter, and a true sense of who they are. 

Although I occasionally use backdrops, I prefer to use a natural background. I prefer a location where the family has already created positive memories. People in general seem to be happier, and more relaxed in an environment in which they feel comfortable, and enjoy. Images shot in these locations, also tend to have more sentimental value, thus adding to their depth, beauty, and value. It is also often easier, and more convenient to get everyone together at this type of venue.

So when you are thinking of what your loved ones would appreciate for Christmas, why not consider a gift certificate for a family portrait.