What is a photograph?
In a world increasingly obsessed with trends and social media, it’s easy to forget what truly matters when it comes to photography. It’s not about the trendiest outfit or the latest style; it’s about something far more profound. Photographs are our time machines, our windows into the past, capturing fleeting moments and preserving them forever. They are about making memories, encapsulating emotions, and allowing us to relive the cherished moments of our lives.
Every photograph tells a story. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, a memory frozen in its purest form. When we look back at our old photos, it’s not the outfits or the trends that we focus on, but the emotions and memories that come flooding back. It’s the smile on your child’s face as they blow out the candles on their birthday cake, the laughter shared with loved ones during a family picnic, or the quiet, intimate moments spent cuddling with your newborn. These are the moments that define our lives. They are the memories we hold dear, the ones we want to preserve and revisit time and time again. Photographs allow us to do just that. They give us the power to capture and hold onto these fleeting moments, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Trends come and go, but memories are forever. The latest fashion or trendy outfit may look great today, but in a few years, it will likely be a distant memory. It’s a thought I struggle with a lot within my own business - how long will the trends last? Do I encourage clients to dress up? To fit a mold? Or do I encourage them to be unapologetically themselves. What stands the rest of time; the emotions captured in a photograph, the genuine moments of joy, love, and connection, remain timeless. When you turn the pages of a photo album years from now, what will matter most is not the style of clothing or the current trends, but the story each photograph tells. You’ll relive the moments that made your heart swell with love, the times that brought tears of joy to your eyes, and the memories that have shaped who you are.
Recently, I found myself at my own photoshoot, feeling a little lost within myself in the early phase of postpartum. It was a challenging time, and I questioned what the session was for and who it was for. Often, we get guilted into photoshoots, and the idea of self-comparison escalates, leading us to nitpick at things we don’t like about the images or ourselves. I want to be clear: this is not a post to guilt you into photos at any point in your life. I realized that this mindset could rob us of the joy and purpose of capturing these moments. I would feel devastated if any of my children picked up an image and just saw flaws within themselves. I want them to pick up an image and say, "This is that time we went to the beach and you cuddled me and chased me," or "It’s the time just when I lost that first tooth." These are the memories that truly matter, and they deserve to be preserved with love and authenticity.
There’s something magical about flipping through the pages of an old photo album. It’s like taking a journey back in time, reliving the special moments of your child’s childhood. Each photograph is a chapter in their story, a testament to the love and joy that filled their early years. You’ll remember the way their tiny hands felt in yours, the sound of their laughter echoing through the house, and the wonder in their eyes as they experienced the world for the first time. These are the memories that matter. They are the moments that define your journey as a parent and the experiences that shape your child’s understanding of love and family.
Photographs are more than just images; they are a legacy. They are a way of passing down stories, emotions, and memories to future generations. They are a testament to the beautiful, messy, and wonderfully imperfect journey of life. As a mother and a midwife, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless beautiful moments. From the first breath of a newborn to the tender embrace of a family welcoming a new member, each moment is unique and irreplaceable.