My Why as a Photographer!
We all have reasons for doing what we do. Whether it is our careers, philanthropic work, or organizations we support. Generally, our reasons evolve over time. Sometimes there is a defining moment or event that sparks that reason. In my first career in academic medicine, there was a time where I read personal statements from medical students applying to our surgery residency program. Quite often they either had a family member or they personally experienced a health event that had a strong impact on them and became the catalyst for their career in medicine. Other times, our reasons evolve over time based on our experiences and people in our lives. And, we may or may not even realize on the surface what drives us.
This is a good description of me and photography. We are told to find our "Why." To know what creates our passion for what we do. I wasn't sure in the beginning what my "Why" was - I just knew that I enjoyed creating pictures. But then, I did an exercise to really find my Why and I want to share that with you.
Getting Personal: I was adopted at birth by a couple who were unable to have children and who loved me unconditionally and made sacrifices for me. Because I was an only child, I enjoyed many opportunities spending time with cousins, and aunts and uncles. One day, several years ago, I received a call from one of my aunts and she offered me the opportunity to meet my birth mother and my half-sister. My birth mother and my parents who adopted me have all passed away, but my half-sister and I have continued developing our relationship. And, I continue to stay in touch with my cousins because I am part of their family. I struggled with this concept briefly after meeting my birth family because I wasn't sure to which family I belonged, but now I realize I am part of both families.
This is where my Why comes in - I believe our family connections are critical to who we are and knowing where we belong in this crazy, confusing world. When my son was little, he enjoyed looking through our family photo albums remembering family time together. I always felt it made him feel connected.
And that is what I want for my clients - for them to have family portraits that provide that connection for their whole family, but especially for their children, regardless of their age. I think too often we underestimate the value of our connections and we forget that despite living in the house with family members, our children need visual reminders that they belong to this family and they are valued. There are so many things pulling at our children today, they need to feel grounded.
I receive such joy when a family comes to look at their family portraits for the first time, they are so excited and when mom expresses emotion seeing her beautiful family - my heart is overjoyed. Then when we hang their family portrait in their home I love hearing their comments of how much this means to them and I am honored that I have been able to help provide what will become a lasting and tangible memory for their family.
And that love and connection in your family my friends is priceless and that is why I am a photographer!
