Fine Art vs. A Moment in Time

On Fridays I try to share of my personal thoughts about photography, life, and general "mom" stuff.  I hope you enjoy this little diversion.

A few weeks ago I was looking through some products for photographers.  One company was selling a brochure to help sell clients large prints and gallery wraps for their home.  "After all," they said, "creating fine art for your home is your #1 goal." 

I have been thinking a lot about that philosophy.  It is almost completely the opposite of my goal for your photography session.

Photography is an opportunity to create art, yes, and even more, to create something truly beautiful.  However, I think that my first goal is always to just freeze this simple moment in time for parents and families.  

I have two girls of my own.  "It goes by so fast" is such a cliche, but so true.  My oldest has changed so much in just two years.  I have beautiful photographs of her capturing those little stages that happen so fast at that little age.  I also have snapshots I've taken as quickly as I can to capture moments I never want to forget too.  There was the time I realized that she was comprehending what I was saying even though she couldn't talk when she picked up her shoes.  The picture is cluttered and messy, but it is so representative of that one specific frozen moment.  There are snapshots of her in costumes just enjoying being a kid.  My Dad told me there will be a moment like that in every day and I want to remember that moment. 

That's all I want to do for my clients.  Spend an hour with them, create a moment, and freeze it forever.  If it happens to be fine art for your home, so be it, but for me, this is about your life and your memories.  Shouldn't that be the first goal?

4 Month Session - Brighton Children's Photography, Metro Detroit Photographer

I enjoyed photographing this little family when they came to visit in March.  "Grandma" was so happy to have her grandson around and I loved having the chance to photograph his beautiful eyes and happy smile.