Portrait photography - what is it and why is it important?!?
Many families book annual family portrait sessions to capture the growth of their kids and the changes in their family unit over the years. But most people (read most mums) are far less likely to book a professional portrait session unless it’s to mark a specific milestone for their kids like an 18th birthday or even further down the line like an engagement.
Portrait photography may seem unnecessary on the surface, but these images are just as important as family photos. Instead of capturing a milestone, they capture the personality and essence of the person being photographed and can freeze a moment in time, creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
There are a variety of reasons why you would choose to invest in a portrait session. Maybe you want to have images for your children to look back on when you're gone. Perhaps you are working on your personal brand and want photos for your social media. It could be you've gone through a big life change like significant weight loss or a divorce or an empty nest and want to change how people see you. Or maybe you just want your pictures taken! And why not?!? With one life to live, what's wrong with celebrating yourself? There isn’t just one reason why portrait photography is important, but lots of very valid reasons! Here are some of the most common reasons why people invest in professional portraits:
A professional portrait can evoke emotion and take you back to the moment when it was taken. Photography remains one of the best ways to freeze time and capture memories, making professional photography incredibly valuable.
Take a look through the photos in your phone’s camera roll. Chances are those images include things that are important to you. We take photos of the people and things that matter most to us, and when we go out of our way to invest in professional photography, we know that the people in those photos are the most special of all.
Photos tell a story in a way that words can’t. They capture the emotions we feel and the person we were in the moment the image was taken. When you look back on your portraits years later, you’ll remember how you felt and see your history told through images—a story that you’ll want to share with your loved ones.
While the thought of stepping in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking, it’s often an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and express yourself. Whether through the clothes you wear or the way you smile, you can have fun with your portraits and boost your confidence in yourself through imagery.
Whether you hang your photos on the walls of your home or share them on social media—or both!—your photos can help you connect with your friends and family across the world. They can serve as a way to update those you love about your life and to include them in your own personal story.
Want to find out more about booking your own portrait session with Wani Olatunde Photography? You can start right here to learn more about our birthday and makeover portrait experiences. Want to stay connected? Then join me at my favourite hangout over on Instagram. 🙂
