Here’s a question. Can you name three reasons your portraits are important? There should be obvious answers, yet when I talk to most clients and prospective clients, I get many other responses for why they’re getting pictures taken. Sometimes it’s for others but reluctantly. Everyone knows you’re supposed to get pictures when you get married. Otherwise, sometimes it’s to mark an occasion, like a birthday, a graduation, or a pregnancy. Newborns should always be getting their pictures because they will change and grow by the minute.
Women are generally more open to portraits compared to men, but the reasons why portraits are important are the same.
Three Reasons
Reason 1.
For you. Do it for you. After everything you have been through, learned from, grew from, you are here and better than ever. You are worth the time it takes to get your portrait. To celebrate not just an occasion or a milestone, but because it’s time for you to accept and enjoy who you are. Love yourself as your family and best friends do.
“When you take a photograph of someone, you take a portrait of their soul. “ – Winna Efendi
Reason 2.
For you. Whatever makes you tick, whatever makes you smile, whatever makes you sad. There will never be another you, you will never be exactly this same you that you are today. For the same reasons you would mark a milestone, these should be all the same reasons you get photographs of you: just because. Your partner, spouse, children, parents, brothers/sisters, best friends all love you for who you are, as you should. Honor yourself now.
“In a portrait, you always leave part of yourself behind.” – Mary Ellen Mark
Reason 3.
Most importantly, for you. It’s been a long couple of pandemic years and there’s no sign that life will all of sudden become perfect. If, for nothing else, do it for the hope of all the days to come, for the striving for better. Imagine looking back at your portraits throughout your life with deep gratitude for knowing all those women throughout the years. Do it for your legacy.
“A good portrait ought to tell something of the subject’s past and suggest something of his future.” – Bill Brandt
“Portraits are the most intimate photographs. The image will survive the subject.” – Victor Skrebneski
The time is now. I’m happy to talk with you about how you want to be photographed and what your session would be like. Click here to set up a convenient time to talk.
Portrait Photography: Stilwell Photography & Films | Alisa Stilwell
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