People now capture, collect, and post pictures more than ever before. This is primarily due to the popularity of photography as a hobby and the high quality of images one can take even with just a smartphone.
A study by InfoTrends reveals that in 2017, more than 1.2 trillion photos were taken and collected. This number is indicative of how it has become second nature for people to create visual memories.
Among the most important visual memories that young and old folks like to collect are family portraits. In recent years, there has been a revival of this tradition. It is considered a positive development, particularly by those who find that most families nowadays do not get to spend enough quality time with each other.
5 Reasons Why Family Pictures are Important
According to professional photographers, family portraits or pictures must be preserved as a tradition for the following reasons:
1. Time passes quickly
The children are young, but only for a moment. A family can grow in number over time as well, and whatever time is lost can never be recaptured. Hence, parents usually take routine photos of their kids growing up, including candid shots of their children engaged in one activity or other (including photos of their kids doing mundane activities such as eating, drinking, sleeping, etc.).
It is nice to document life developments in images because so many things can change in just a short period of time. With photos, you have something tangible or viewable to remind you of the significance of specific periods in your loved one’s life.
2. Taking a family portrait is an opportunity for everyone to get together.
Family portraits are usually taken during holidays or special family occasions. With all the members required to be present, they are opportunities for everybody to catch up and “behave” like a typical family, says a top family photographer in Dubai.
As mentioned before, hectic lives prevent family members from spending enough quality time with each other. So, gathering together for a picture is an activity that can somehow restore the dynamics of family time.
3. Family portraits evoke nostalgia.
How many times have you experienced looking at a framed image of your family and then spontaneously associating it with various memories? Or, have you ever expressed appreciation for the presence of the people in the picture that you suddenly miss terribly?
These feelings arise simply because images can reconnect you with your old ideals or remind you of what you need more of in your life, such as visits to your aging parents, more time with your children, and others.
If you do not have such visual reminders, you are more likely to quickly forget or set aside the little things that make a big difference in your life and significant relationships.
4. Family portraits are part of a neverending story.
In Newbery Medal author Patricia Maclachlan’s book called “Journey,” Grandfather always took pictures to provide the young boy, Journey, something that would allow him to reconstruct their family history.
Indeed, different family portraits taken over time can connect different life situations that will allow you to have a better understanding of your life as it continues to unfold. Although these pictures are things you see, they prompt introspection and a careful evaluation or study of the story behind the images.
5. Family portraits are priceless gifts.
Family pictures are simple, inexpensive yet meaningful gifts for special occasions. It has been a longstanding tradition to send family photos to relatives and friends during the holidays. They are also used to celebrate and let people who matter know about the birth of a new member of the family or a marriage.
Family portraits are a fantastic way to express to others that you and the rest of your family are thinking about them, you value them, and you want them to know that all is well with you.
More Than Just Images
Family portraits may seem simple and commonplace, but they actually have a huge impact. They are not just there for sentimental reasons; the process of producing these images is actually enjoyable as well.
Needless to say, the tradition of taking family portraits is definitely worth preserving because not only does it ensure the continuity of family memories, but it also offers a profound source of joy and meaning.
Author Bio:
Stefanie Descheemaecker is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been with the company for almost 3 years and is the driving force behind the success of the business. A keen amateur family photographer, Stef combines her natural creative eye with a strong business acumen to help Stu Williamson Photography become the most trusted and successful photography business in the UAE.