"You’ll Want This Photo in 20 Years"
I recently moved rooms in my house, leading me to go through my things and redecorate with what I already had. I filled shelves with books, travel souvenirs, and antiques from both my maternal and paternal grandparents. I filled my walls with photos and décor that reminded me of my favorite memories, and I became thankful for the perspective change I embraced a couple years ago.
“You’ll want this photo in twenty years.”
Bad hair day? Your eyebrows don’t look their best? You’re not at your goal weight? Your outfit isn’t perfect? It’s a busy day? You just took a picture of/with them last week?
You’ll want this photo in twenty years, if not sooner.
In the digital age, without the limits of film, I’m a firm believer that it’s possible to have too few photos with someone or of someone you love. After I finish a graduate session, I always take a group photo of the senior with everybody who came along to help and support. I always take extra photos during a family session to capture candid moments between poses. When photographing children, I love getting to take the child’s photo with their parent, even if the parent isn’t “dressed up” for the occasion.
“You’ll want this photo in twenty years.”
You won’t have a day like today again. They’ll be too old to fit in your lap someday. You never know when your last photo with somebody will be taken. Even if you’re in a rush, stopping for 30 seconds to take a photo isn’t the end of the world.
Take the photo. Appreciate the moment. Celebrate the memory. You’ll want this photo is twenty years.
I wish I would've taken more photos with my grandparents, my childhood friends, and my favorite places. Ever since changing my mindset to "I'd rather deal with too many photos than not enough," I've found myself being more aware of appreciating my "good ol' days" before they're gone.
Elizabeth Leland is product, event, and portrait photographer. She graduated from The Art Institute of San Antonio in the fall of 2018 where she earned her BFA in digital photography. Elizabeth developed a love for interacting with people and making genuine connections through the lens after picking up a camera in 2007. She continued to grow in photography and took every opportunity she could to learn from small business owners, other photographers, and teachers.
She finds her inspiration in color, texture, humor, and captivating stories. Her work includes commercial marketing and advertising, product photography, weddings, events, and portraits.
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