Parents – Please get in photos
Although I predominantly shoot sport, when taking candid shots around the grounds I’m often met with a parent saying ‘oh no don’t get me in it’. I use my charm, and usually convince them to be in the photo. Not for themselves, but for their kids. Because one day, that’s all they’ll have left – the photos and the memories.
In the past few years I’ve been to more funerals than I’d have liked. What stood out at each is our lives, regardless of how well lived, come down to a montage of photographs, and kind words by those who loved us. For those who knew their time was coming there may even be a video to put a smile on mourner’s faces. However, the large portion of the event are the photos. What photographs are out in the world that your loved ones could use should your day come, especially if unexpectedly?
October 12, 2021 I had made plans with my bestie, Jax, for our Whimsical Wednesday lunch the next day. October 13th she moved to Heaven without any warning! November 1st we were sitting in a chapel watching a photo montage of her 52 years on the planet. Her husband having picked a photo for her main portrait to be displayed, her family and friends having submitted their favourite photos of her for the slideshow photo montage and as a special tribute, everyone brought a photo or two to attach to her coffin prior to cremation. Love and photos are the cornerstones of funerals.
My friend Doris had a beautiful montage for her farewell funeral, and the main portrait was a photo I’d taken on my phone capturing a fun moment, with her looking gorgeous in very complementary colours she was wearing that day. That one photo brought back so many beautiful memories and was on display for the many who attended her service.
Photos aren’t just photos. They’re a moment in time captured forever. Sometimes they’ll sit in digital storage never to see the light of day, other times they’ll become part of something that defines an event for all to see displayed on a wall or socials page or, used to sum up our entire life.
Some of the photos I’ve taken have been turned into beautiful framed gifts for Christmas or birthdays, or just because. Family portraits and single images, usually of athletes. Imagine the pride and love this fills the athlete with – the photo represents their efforts, their achievements, their parent’s pride, and belief in them. Photos inspire, motivate, empower and emit powerful emotions.
Please get in the photos. Capture as many photographic memories as you can. Selfies are great, however asking someone to take a full photo of you with your family gives you all priceless memories. Even better, a professional shoot in a relaxed environment for some memorable pics. If you’d like to book you and yours in for a session, send me an email to info@joharlow.com or drop me a message via socials. And when you see me around the track and I ask for a photo, just smile and grab your loved one so together we can create a moment frozen in time – not for you, but for those you love. And jump in as many photos as you can – one day, that’s all everyone will have left, along with the priceless memories you created. Live a life you’re proud to have summed up in a photo montage.
Jo xo