There and Back Again

It’s always great to be reminded of why portrait photography is important for people. I do family shoots regularly, sometimes for a special occasion, sometimes just to have for memories sake, but it shouldn’t be underestimated what the resulting images mean to the family. This particular shoot was quite poignant, both for me and the family in question. You see, the Kelsey Family aren’t just simply returning customers, they are very good friends of mine, and this session was a final chance to capture some memories before they left the UK for a new life in the US. When this happens, it’s always hard for both those leaving, and the friends and family left behind, but this is where the portrait images help. I know in this age we are as connected as ever with social media and video calls etc., no matter where they are on the globe, but having portrait shots to view, or display whenever you want helps with those times when hooking up isn’t an option. This is true of all portrait shoots, whether the family is moving away has or not. It’s about memories and the emotional connection the photos offer.



This session actually serves to show both….

Five years back the Kelseys had a portrait session with me at Burgh Castle Roman Ruins. They chose the same location again for this latest one. Some may think it may have been better to pick another location for their second shoot, but I loved the fact we were returning to the same place….it gave a chance to show the changes in the family.
I don’t know about you, but I am often taken back by the change in my own children. Facebook, for all it’s faults, does have an On This Day section, which regularly throws up old photos, mostly of my kids, and always brings a smile to my face, along with the question to my wife…”Do you remember this one?” Or “How little is he?”
This is lovely, but, as we regularly reminded, when the photos sit on a server of a social media site, they can be lost at any time….it’s best to have your own. Trust me!



I digress. Again. The summer we have had was hot and dry, with many cloudless skies too. You know us photographers like a bit of cloud during a shoot to even the light out a bit. Even though this session took place during the evening, it was particularly bright if hazy. Why do I mention this?



Ironically, it wasn’t a million miles away from the conditions five years earlier…..with the same five people, all looking different, but with one addition...this time around we were joined by Bear, the family dog. There is always an unknown element to having the four legged family member involved, but Bear was spot on. Looking when the daft photographer called his name (well most of time) and he didn’t feel the urge to run off or towards me either, bonus!



So the last couple of images here I’ve added some similar ones from the original shoot five years ago. I have had returning customers before where I’ve looked at the changes in the family, but this time I thought I’d show you what I get to see…..The parents just get better looking, maturing like a fine wine, and the children just keep growing.


2018


2013



2018


2013



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