I try not to have favorites when it comes to clients, because face it, I have been blessed with amazing clients who truly become friends. But I have to let you in on a small secret ... this family. This family is one of my favorites. LOL
They have come back to me over the years multiple times and I have had the pleasure of photographing their growing family and watching the children grow in front of my lens. And I. Absolutely. Love. That.
It's hard being a photographer who is also learning and perfecting a skill that not many people really take seriously. A lot of people don't really understand the hard work, sweat (literally sweat when chasing toddlers around in the NC humidity) and tears (of both stress of meeting a deadline and happiness when the client adores their images) that goes into being a PROFESSIONAL photographer.
Sure, anyone can pick up a camera (or phone now-a-days) and proclaim they're a photographer. And that's really what I'm up against. Because photography isn't seen as precious to most people's eyes, they're happy with whatever device they use for these images. Now I'm not knocking cheaper devices (or phones) because shoot, I LOVE instagram and those filters and sometimes it's just easier carrying a cell phone to capture everyday moments. I do it all the time. I cherish each goofy face my children make no matter the type or equipment I use.
But - but sometimes, we photographers find those special clients who really cherish photography and understand that portraits are something to cling onto. Something that is special because it's a moment in time capture forever in an image that you won't get back. You'll be left with the memory of that image for a lifetime. And that my friends, that's why I make sure that I do the very best for y'all.
Investing in your memories can be daunting. Believe me, I know. What's the difference between a $25 photographer and a $1000 photographer? Nothing. You're still capturing a moment. You're still keeping that memory alive. The secret? It's the person behind the camera that makes that dollar point difference. The experience that photographer has. The investment he or she has in making your portraits the absolute best for you. It's the creative mind and the eye of the photographer. It's all about how well you want that memory preserved.
Guys, I want multiple famous photographers to photograph my family. I do. But guess what? I can't afford them. One day, once I've saved up enough and actually get the kids to be on their best behavior ... I will hire one of my favorite photographers to capture my family. But see. That's the point. I cherish photography so much, that I'm willing to not purchase a $7 coffee everyday and put that money towards a photography session instead. That's what I'm talking about folks. Investing in your own memories. It's the difference between a discount store and a specialty store. A $10 purse on the clearance rack and the $500 name brand purse. It's what you cherish most. If you want it, you'll get it.
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| LOL, he just wanted to carry every single rock out there. But that's him. And that sly look. All him. This is Life. Captured. |
And that's why this family is so dear to me. They understand. They cherish their time together. If you were to be a bystander watching us trying to get these shots, you'd laugh. You'd think, "what is really going on here?" LOL I laugh just thinking about this session. But I enjoyed. Every. Single. Moment. Why? because it's my passion. I love chasing around children who don't wanna look at my camera and actually capture them being them. Interacting with their siblings. Being silly. And simply having fun. I know mom was stressing, but she had the faith in me to capture the laughter and fun. And if I do say so myself, I did just that.
And of course, you've gotta take a moment and breath. Moms and Dads wouldn't be moms and dads if it wasn't for the love they share between them. So of course, even if you don't want to, I'm going to make you love up on each other hot, sweaty and sticky and capture a photograph of just the two of you. Why? (I've been asking that a lot in this blog haven't I? LOL) Because your children want to know what you looked like when they were little. How you managed to keep the love between soccer practices, dance recitals, deployments, school, work, ect. They want to see you. Because one day you won't be there physically for them anymore and they're going to want to remember you. And of course, moments like below. ;)
*** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. ***
