Reflections from the heart...
This life is full of firsts, we always know when it is our first kiss, our first horse ride, our first pet. We know when it is our 10th kiss, our 100th ride or our 5th pet. But we don't always know when it is our last kiss, our last ride or our last pet. We don't know when we will see our loved ones for the last time. We don't know that we may have already missed our last opportunity to hug them, to create more memories with them.
Since I was 12 years old, I've been involved with raising horses. Our stallion is now 29 years old. Our broodmares are over 20. Last year I was able to be there when Roxy had her foal. This was her last foal, she's earned her retirement. This is probably the last foal out of our stallion - and quite possibly the last foal we will raise. I grabbed some video , took some pictures - and gave a hand when things ran longer than is healthy for both mare and foal. I cherish those pictures. Looking back through them takes me back, it reminds me of those emotions - the excitement, the anxiety, the realization that this is her last foal. The happiness when she got up, took her first steps and nursed for the first time. It might have been my last time to see a foal born. I was blessed to be there. This series will be an album. They have meaning to me that will last the rest of my life and I want to be able to look through those images anytime.
In general, we take pictures with our cell phones, we capture the special moments as they happen, then they usually stay on our phone with 5,000 other pictures. Some get shared to social media, but that's usually it. Many of those pictures might capture the first time, or maybe the last time. When was the last time you printed one of those pictures? When was the last time you went back through and looked at those pictures you took? We are in a time where we have technology that let's us save them. As a younger-ish (OK, middle-aged) person, this is great. BUT - as I see my parents aging, and I spend more time in nursing homes and hospitals. I see people struggling to use that technology. I have thousands of pictures saved in MY phone and on MY social media pages - but that doesn't mean the next generation (or the previous one) will be able to enjoy them. I can't help but believe there is still a need for portraits to be printed.
My role as a photographer is much more than just taking pictures. Whether that portrait contains your family, a pet or a favorite place - it will reflect the feelings captured in that moment. I create a canvas portrait that is big enough to see the details and will last for generations to come. A canvas that can make you feel like you are surrounded by love in any room, to make any room feel like home.
I hope my last first blog inspires you to create the kind of art that can be passed down to future generations.
Look for future blogs featuring clients and their stories along with tips & tricks.