We are visual beings.
We love photographs because they tell us stories in ways that words never quite can.
They transcend the barriers of language, age and time.

Some of my favorite photographs are the ones of my parents and grandparents before I was born and the ones of me as a child before I can remember. A few of the people in these old photos I have never met. Technically, they are strangers and yet, their faces are so familiar to me that I feel as though I know them.

This is why I love photography – it’s the preservation of our stories, legacies and histories. It allows us to know who our grandparents were, even if we never met them; or what our parents looked like when they were younger; or how much we’ve changed over the years. Photography honours our sentimentality and desire to reminisce.

Even though everyone loves beautiful photographs, most people hate actually posing for them…and with good reason! Nothing makes people crabbier than forcing them to hold awkward body positions and head tilts while expecting them to smile as though they are happy about it. Sure those posey shots have their place and purpose and are often the ones we hang above the mantel but I guarantee they are never our real favorites. It will be the photos of Dad falling into the duck pond, Mom and daughter laughing hysterically at him and son trying to help him out and falling in too that will be the most cherished.

A photo shoot should be fun and stress-free! After all, I’m the one who should be working at something – not you! So do what comes natural to you and I’ll do the rest!