Creating Memories

I was reading a photography blog this morning that highlighted a letter from a client to a photographer. The topic: Value. The value of a photograph, the value of a memory. In today's society, everyone has a camera, and everyone's phone has a camera. Photos are something a large majority of the population takes for granted. Yet, every time we take a photo, our first reaction is to turn it around and look at the LCD screen to see how good we look. And if we do look good, we immediately post it to Facebook to share. And that is not a bad thing at all, nothing to be ashamed of. However, that is a luxury in life that not everyone can afford or has experienced. After doing a few Help-Portrait events, I have witnessed the true value of a photograph.

The letter

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons. I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind. I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby. I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family. After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you.. Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session. Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip. This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things. My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor. It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly. I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice. It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me. The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them. Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it. If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth. I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos. I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L.

Now, my intention for posting this, was not a marketing ploy, or not to influence someone to book me in order to gain memories, but rather to support my thoughts on how important a photograph, and more importantly, memories can be. We are all guilty in someway or another of having not-so-perfect priorities. This was just the wake-up call I needed to remind myself to keep mine in check.

I've been looking to invest in some new gear lately, and frankly it is all I can think about. Which camera body do I want? Which lens do I want? Should I spring for the $1500 light, or should I do this, or that?. But rather, the question I should be asking myself, is how can I use this money in the most optimal way to preserve memories and create new ones. Maybe that new camera body will help me do that, but maybe not. Maybe that money would be better spent taking a trip and photographing a couple of new subjects in a new city. Money is great, but memories are better. Money is often incorrectly credited with increasing happiness, but I think the true secret to happiness, is surrounding yourself with people you love, and maintaining the right priorities through life. And this blog post isn't to say that a photo shoot should be a top priority, not at all. But creating memories with the people you love should be, maybe that $40 you were going to spend on a new shirt at the mall, would be better spent by taking renting a couple of bicycles and riding through a new town. Stopping for coffee and lunch, and enjoying the day with someone you care about. Creating memories.

I am incredibly saddened by the letter, and send my deepest condolences to the family. I can only imagine how tough it must be for them. I would've loved to meet the woman in the letter, for she realized the true value of life and memories, and I am so thankful that though she is no longer with us in this world, is still able to help others realize that value. She sounds like an incredible woman.