Today is World Photography Day. It also happens to be the first anniversary of my mother’s death. As such, I thought it fitting to begin my very first blog by writing about the importance of family photos.

“What do you like to photograph the most?”

It is a question often asked by those who admire my work.

“I love photographing families, children, pets, and important (or not so important) events,” I say.

You see, when I do that, it makes my heart sing. So much so that I sometimes get a lump in my throat when I sit, late at night, by the glare of my computer screen pouring over the images I have captured for all time. I love these memories, this communion that we create between us, if just for a moment when making my subjects smile, laugh or yes, even cry sometimes. If you haven’t guessed by now, we have fun during our photo shoots. Before digital photography, I would order doubles of each print, waiting anxiously for the time that I could present them. The thrill, the overwhelming satisfaction of watching their eyes and the moment when a smile that rose, like the sun on a clear morning, that invariably transformed their face is what it is all about for me. I just loved witnessing that transformation when I gave them their set of photos.

Now, as my brothers and I look through the many years of family memories in the form of slides, home movies and photos, I realize how blessed we are to have all of these memories. My father was the ‘family photographer.’ My brother and I continue his legacy.

You may have gone through this loss, yourself. If so, my heart feels for you because we both know what an emotional job it is, not only cleaning out your childhood home but sorting through all of those precious memories. But every tragedy has a silver lining. All of those photos remind us of our time together. The times that gave us (and continues to give us) so much joy.

“Look at this one,” I would say. “Remember when…”

My eyes would fill with tears, and yet I found myself laughing at the same time. Each photo tells a story. Like life itself, each and every photo elicits emotions, some good, some not so good, but always an emotion. With both of my parents gone, all I have are the memories and those photos which will always keep them alive for me. I cherish them now more than ever.

Are your parents still alive? Your grandparents? Take photos of them! Take photos WITH them! Years from now, you will be so happy you did. Don’t worry about getting perfect pictures, or looking ‘good.’ It doesn’t matter. Preserve their legacy, while you still can!

***In Loving Memory of Dorothy A. Hansen***
***July 17, 1928 - August 19, 2019***

I took this shot of my mother quite a few years ago, when we were all together for Thanksgiving. She looked so good, so happy. Little did I know this shot would be used for her funeral program. She would be pleased!

Rest in peace, Dorothy Hansen. Thank you for the wonderful life you gave me. I miss you every day, and yet I smile when I look at all of the pictures we have of you.