Capturing Moments Through Family Photography
In the early periods of professional photography the underlying emotional and social values of family photography were often neglected. Back then, photographers don’t know how to motivate their family subjects during portrait sessions, while the family on the other hand does not feel any desire to participate. It can be observed that most if not all family stills from centuries ago were usually stiff images wherein the subjects are idly sitting on chairs without showing unnecessary movements, snapped under limited lighting with large format cameras and slow film. As a result the photos are often stiff and formal but does not exemplify any emotions.
It should be considered that similar to family storytelling, photos indicate relationships among the members of the family, and such perspective was what past family photography failed to encompass. However, with the improvements in technology, changes in photographing behaviors have also become apparent. As more and more people gain access to cameras and become familiar with its technicalities, the process of photography also became less intimidating, which in turn changes the emotional content of family photos. Meaning, family members are now accustomed to posing at their own liberty during photo shoots.
Modern family photography is moving away from stiff and formal photos of the past that were often snapped inside studios. Nowadays, more and more family groups are inclined to having their photos taken at locations that have special meanings to them. It might be at their bedroom, at a favorite vacation spot, or with their prized possessions”"a clear representation of family bonding time. Nevertheless, while the subjects from early photos were demanded to straightly look at the camera and hold stiff poses, modern snapshots allow the family to perform certain activities without necessarily looking at the camera.
Actually, there are three principal reasons why parents often commission a family portraiture: for pride, documentation of family growth and most importantly to remember things not only the faces but especially and laughter and fun during the moment. Photographing children, for instance, has become a trend for parents as capturing their little angel’s actuation during his or her early years is a priceless memory of a time that can never be repeated in any manner, shape or form. Children photos are more than just historical records of their growth, they are also universal truths that speak of their innocence that would be lost once they are exposed to the outside world.
The same thing goes with teen photos often commissioned during high school graduations, which is an essential changing time for the whole family as graduation is the time when parents often feel proud about their kids’ accomplishments and maturity, and on the other hand also represent the parents realization of how fast their children have grown. From then on, family gatherings are less frequent that the time spent together become more special when special occasions take place. Regardless if the occasion is a wedding, anniversary or christening, the fact that the family is whole again is already enough reason to capture the moments that may not happen again for a long period. Family portraits freeze frame vital parts in our lives that serves as our reminders of why we work, love and live.
More than just capturing the aesthetics of every family member, family portraiture, regardless if they are teen photos, parent photos or children photos has a more important function. It is a means to capture the heart and sole of the family. The subjects must be able to look directly at the camera and speak volumes of their emotions through their eyes, or never look at the camera and speak volumes about themselves through their actions. Succinctly, family photos greatly detail how a family perceives the world.
Modern family photography could best encompass a family story as it captures a mini-slice of occurrence in one’s family life that is often fun to commemorate when the family gathers. For all practical purposes, family portraits serve as informal photo essays similar to teen photos and when photographing children. Family portraiture is a good means to remember not just the moment when the photos were taken but also the laughter and fun that took place when the portrait was snapped.
- frederick talactac
