I chose to focus on portrait photography because I love photographing people, telling their stories, showing them as I see them, reflecting who they are and showing a glimpse of their lives through images.
I’ve had many a conversation with my girlfriends about why someone decides to have their portrait made and there are so many unique reasons that reflect where we are in life and our individuality.
The amazing thing is that once you get past the initial hesitation in having your portrait taken and being in front of the camera – there is a certain transformation that happens on the day of the shoot and then at the end, there are these incredibly beautiful photos to have forever.
Unlike in my mother’s and grandparent’s day where an annual portrait session in a studio was part of life, these days we have so many photos taken on our phones that we probably wonder why we need to have a professional portrait taken. For me, though there is so much more to a portrait session – its the whole package from preparation, to shoot day, to receipt of the photos that make this an incredibly different experience to a photo taken on your phone.
Here are a few reasons that came up during my conversations and why many of the women I’ve photographed have done it.
1. Celebrating a significant event
It might be celebrating a special birthday (30, 40, 50, ….80….), overcoming a personal challenge, celebrating an achievement or milestone in life. Capturing that moment in time in photos is a powerful, self-affirming thing to do. It’s a celebration of who you are and what you’ve achieved in life. And I love a celebration – life is worth celebrating – the big moments, the in-between moments and special times.
2. It’s part of your personal development journey
I believe in a life-long journey of personal development and growth. Many of us feel the same. I return to personal development time and again to focus on different aspects of my journey. I often think of the quote by Socrates ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’….. maybe a little harsh, but I certainly believe life can be so much better when we take time to live it consciously and through continual learning and development.
So if you’re in a place where you’re focussing on personal growth – a photo session can be all about recognising who you are, celebrating you, taking stock of where you are at, seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes and to really allow yourself to let go – sometimes we hold on to so much and don’t really show our real selves.
Especially for women, a portrait shoot is a wonderful way for us to be able to really see ourselves. Having someone who sees you and is able to photograph you in a way that shows you your soul and your beauty, is an amazing thing to experience.
Write a letter to yourself when you have the shoot thinking about who you are, where you are at in life, your dreams and vision for the future – keep it in the portrait book or portrait box and you can look back in years to come and reflect…
3. Taking time for self-care and self-love
When I talk to my friends about our lives, we are so busy taking care of our worlds and the people in it – our children, our friends, our parents, our partners, our work – that we don’t feel we have time for ourselves or in some cases we don’t feel we ‘deserve’ it and feel guilty if we do take time out just for us. I think and hope that things are changing.
One of the most important lessons in life that I’ve had is that to be able to give to and be there for others, I need to look after myself – and in all aspects – mentally, physically and spiritually.
A portrait session is a way to take some time for you, to slow down, to allow yourself to be pampered, to indulge your senses, to dress-up and to have a day out just for you.
4. A new you
There’s nothing like celebrating a new you – a photoshoot can be the start (or end) of a make-over. I love the idea of a make-over – the whole she-bang from health, body, soul, new hair, new make-up, new styling, new clothes. And what better way to showcase the new you than with a portrait shoot.
5. Simply to have some fun
And having fun is so important! Sometimes, when the going gets tough and my mood is a bit low, I realise it’s been because I haven’t had any fun – I haven’t let myself laugh, dance and be joyous. Portrait sessions are a time to let go, to show the real you, to be as silly, fun and joyous as you want. To play a role, to take on a character you love, to do something crazy – whatever comes to mind. Imagine capturing that? And your big, joyous smile! I feel excited just thinking about the crazy things we could do.
6. Play dress-ups
When I was little, I loved playing dress-ups. We had a dress-up box filled with gorgeous clothes – from a Jeanie outfit (think I Dream of Jeanie) to glamorous chiffon dresses. My sisters and I would run around our house and garden in these gorgeous outfits. We still love dressing up to this day. A portrait session is a great way to play dress-ups as a grown-up and to remember the innocence of childhood.
7. Express yourself
Que Madonna. You are irreplaceable, unique, beautiful and let’s shout that from the rooftops. You could show all aspects of your personality in a portrait shoot – from fun to serious, to playful, to express your emotions. To be the real you – in all your complexity, your beauty, your strength, and your vulnerability.
8. To create a lasting keepsake
And of course, there is the creation of a beautiful keepsake for you to look back on who you were when the photo was taken, for your family, your hubby, your partner, your children. Don’t we all have photos we cherish of loved ones displayed around the house, on pinboards, in our phones? I have these incredible photos of my mother that Dad took and I love them so much. They are my connection to my Mum, who sadly passed away when I was young (and so was she). I look at them all the time and am so lucky to have these photos.
9. As a gift
A gift of your photo will be treasured by any of your loved ones – your parents, your children, your partner, your love. You can even do it as a gift for yourself!
10. Celebrating love
Whether it’s celebrating with your great love, your anniversary, maybe even an elopement or celebrating with your girlfriends (and what would we do without them!), a photo session is an amazing way to have a great day together but to also have photos to showcase your love.
“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.” Paul Caponigro
At the end of the day, it’s because your worth it and life is worth celebrating. There’s no one reason; maybe there are several in this list that resonate for you. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Don’t forget to enter my competition to win a portrait shoot! Click here for all the details – it closes on 31 August 2019 and winners are announced during the week of 2nd September.
Read some of the testimonials from women I’ve photographed on why they did it and how it made them feel.
If you’d like to find out more about my portrait sessions – click here.
Thanks to all the women in this blog who I have had the honour of making their portraits and telling their stories through images.
With love and light
