The Value Of Family Photography

In the field of early professional photography

, the real essence of family photography was overlooked. Back then, photographers don't know how to motivate their family subjects during portrait sessions, while the family on the other hand does not feel any desire to participate. It can be observed that most if not all family stills from centuries ago were usually stiff images wherein the subjects are idly sitting on chairs without showing unnecessary movements, snapped under limited lighting with large format cameras and slow film. The resulting photos are too formal and stiff, that they lack emotional value and appeal.

It should be considered that similar to family storytelling, photos indicate relationships among the members of the family, and such perspective was what past family photography failed to encompass. However, the changes in technology have also brought about changes in behavior. As more people get a hold of cameras and become familiar with its technicalities, the process of photography has also become less intimidating, thereby changing the content of family photos. Family members are now open to being photographed, disregarding formalities and stiffness that once permeated past photography.

Modern family photography is moving away from stiff and formal photos of the past that were often snapped inside studios. Currently, more and more family groups like to have their family portraits taken at locations that holds special memories for them. It can be inside their bedrooms, at their favorite vacation area, or together with their prized possessions, which truly resonate their indebtedness to family time. Nonetheless, while subjects of early photos were often posed and required to look straight at the camera, modern snapshots permit the family to engage in an ongoing activity, not necessarily staring at the camera.

There are three key reasons why many parents commission family portraiture: pride, documentation of family growth and of course as means of remembrance""to remember not only the faces but also the laughter and encapsulation of fun and memorable moments. Photographing children, for instance, has become so common because for parents capturing their little ones during their early years is a priceless reminder of a time that will never be returned again. The portraits of children in the family transcends the historical record of their growth, rather they serve as universal truths of the kids' innate innocence that will be lost once they grow up.

The same perspective is also applicable with teen photos often commissioned during high school graduation, which is a key changing time for the whole family since it is a commemoration of a child's academic accomplishments and maturity, and at the same time the realization for parents how they are about to let go of their children to explore other parts of themselves without their guidance. From that point forward, family gatherings become less and less frequent, so the times spent together as a family during special occasions become more and more special. Regardless if it is during a wedding, parent's anniversary or christening of grandchild, the fact that the family is gathered once again is a reason enough to capture every sweet moment from such events. Family portraits frame freeze important parts of our lives that often remind us why we work, love and live.

Today, family portraiture, regardless if they are teen photos, children photos or parent photos, is more than just capturing the aesthetics of each family member. It is all about encapsulating the heart and soul of the subject family. The subjects could either look directly at the camera and be able to project his or her emotions, or engage on an ongoing activity without looking at the camera but emphasize emotion through actions. Fundamentally, family photos should be able to fully represent how a family perceives the world.

by: Frederick Talactac

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