Why is photography important?

“Life moves so fast.”

As a kid, I remember hearing grown-ups say things like ‘time is passing so fast; it’s gone before you can blink your eyes’! Over the year that statement coupled with my mother’s teaching and hobby of carrying me to the Photo Studio, to pose weekly in my new outfits that she created, stirred a passion and profound appreciation and value for life, love and laughter.

     

  

With wisdom, and the realization that things are impermanent, made me question why we do what we do….or more specifically, why do I do what I do? This question led me to dig a little deeper and question not only my role, but also the role of creativity and art. Why do I make the choices I make? How can I make an impact? What is the role of art and photography in a world that moves so quickly?

And so I ask the question: Why is photography important?

I’ve thought about it a little and here’s what I’ve come up with:

Photography is important because it provides a history of special moments, relationships, growth, and love. Photography is a record of the many people and relationships that have made us who we are. Photography helps a person to truly see themselves as they are – as a beloved person created by God and valuable to others. Photography helps us to not forget God’s blessings in our lives.

Photography is important because:

·         it slows down the pace of life and freezes time.

·         it tells a story. YOUR story. MY story. OUR story.

·         it helps us find the beauty in our everyday lives, the beauty in the over-looked and under-appreciated, the beauty in wrinkles and sags and grey hairs, the beauty in ourselves.

·         it shows us what’s real, what’s true, how unique we all are, and how much we really have in common.

·         it helps us remember our loved ones, our special trinkets, remember that intimate conversation we had with our mom, or the shared laugh we had with our best friend.

I am proud to call myself a photographer. I absolutely love my job and am privileged to have been able to document precious moments between some pretty incredible people. The next time someone ask me what I do for a living, I’ll say…………..

I’m a Beauty Finder.

I’ve shared the reasons why I love photography and why I think it’s important. Now, I’d love to know why it’s important to you. What makes you stare at one photo longer than another? What speaks to you? What catches your eye, catches your breath, or maybe more importantly, what catches your heart?

**********************************