Take the Photo, Book the Session

Can you believe that 2022 is already half over? It seems like year after year, time just keeps getting faster. And no matter what I do, I can’t figure out how to get it to slow down. 

The one thing that helps me, though, is having tons and tons of photos and videos to look back on. I know this isn’t everyone’s deal and some just like to continue looking forward. That’s completely fair and I get it, I could probably gain something to be a little more like that.

However, when life gets super busy and all your focus is aimed at the next task, the next birthday to celebrate, the next holiday, etc., life can start to feel like a conveyor belt. Always looking forward and always waiting for what’s next. 

Taking photos for me has always been about slowing down and reflecting on the moments that have passed. The memories you’ve made with loved ones, the friends you’ve lost, the places you’ve traveled, they’ve all led to where you are at in this very moment. 

And I need that. While running the marathon of life, we go through SO many seasons and it’s easy to forget about everything that’s happened. 

Some of my FAVORITE photos are the ones that were taken (unsuspecting at the time) and then they end up meaning SO much more in the future. I’ll give you one example. 

A year before my boyfriend and I started dating, we worked at the same company. Now, we had known each other for years and years before this instance. In fact, he was one of the people that helped me get the job. This particular year, though, we happened to be working in the same department. It was December and it was “Wear your Ugly Christmas Sweater to Work” day. There was a group of 8 people from the department, and yep, you guessed it. He and I were in that group. 

When we first started dating I looked back at the photo fondly and thought about all the things that happened between that moment and where we were today. Life is funny, you never know where you’re gonna end up. 

Please ignore the chipmunk cheeks… did I say I like old pictures… lol

4 years later - He’s a wonderful model for when I want to take “aesthetic” couple photos hahaha

So why should YOU be getting your photos taken (or even just taking more photos on your phone)?? I don’t have kids, but I can only imagine how fast time goes when you are raising them. They can completely change within the span of 6 months, and if no photos or videos were taken in that span, those moments are gone!

And don’t even get me started on pets…. Take ALL the photos of your puppers and kitty cats. Book a session with just you and them from an amazing photographer like myself (*wink wink*) so that you can be in the photos with them. 

Wow, I feel like that was starting to get a little dark. Ok I’m going to rein it back in…

Just think about all the family parties in the future when your kids are grown, or when you have been with your significant other for 5+ years. You’ll get to bring these photos back up and reminisce on old times, like making fun of that horrible haircut or the terrible fashion trends of that day. I never regret going through old memories.   

Now, as a photographer, phone photos are great. I take them all the time. However, I believe there is a huge difference between taking a quick snap or a selfie with your loved ones and booking a session with a photographer to have your photos taken.

1. (Not always, but often) Mom or girlfriend, wife, fiancée, whatever your current title is, most of the time you will not be in the photo or you will be taking a selfie, or you’ll be getting someone who doesn’t know how to frame a photo and definitely doesn’t know your angles.  And I get it, that can be frustrating. You just want to have some nice photos of you and your loved one(s). Book a photographer. You’ll be the star in the photo, not the one organizing or taking the photo.

2. When you take photos on a phone, yes you can print them, but there is a limit to the quality of print that you are going to get with the phone picture. It is what it is. 

3. When you book a photographer, you are getting a partner in crime. They WANT to take beautiful artsy photos of you and your significant other or family. Whatever dream you have for the photos, we can work together to make them happen. 

4. I’ve been talking about memories this whole time. Booking a photo session is creating a memory. I know it’s like pulling teeth for some people, but it doesn’t have to be. This is a time where you can be yourself, have fun with your loved ones, be creative, silly, funny. It doesn’t matter. This is your time to enjoy and record a moment (with a high quality camera) so that you can remember this season of your life for years to come. 

5. When you book a photographer, you book a hype gal and friend! I am JUST as excited about your photos as you are (if not more so). I put a lot of time and effort into each of my galleries, because I want you to be happy with the final product. I want you to be able to proudly show them off and hang them in your home. 

I didn’t plan for this blog to be this long. So if you’ve made it here, thanks for reading! As I was writing this blog I got weirdly emotional. I say weirdly because I don’t typically burst into tears when I’m writing something. It just made me realize how important documenting life is to me. Your life, my life, it’s all important. We all have a different story and it’s an important story to tell. If reading this has reminded you that you haven’t had your photos taken in a while, go ahead and reach out, let’s plan your shoot!

Side note:

I am currently offering Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions! Sunday, Oct 23rd, 2022, inquire on my contact page if you’re interested!