The value of a photograph

A photograph is the pause button on life.

This time of year always brings memories of Kent’s father to the forefront. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly three years since we lost him. What we have now are the memories, the stories we tell, and the photographs that keep his presence alive. When someone is no longer here, those captured moments become priceless treasures.

In the days following his passing, as we prepared for his Celebration of Life, a request went out to the extended family. Our nephew, tasked with organizing a slideshow, asked everyone to contribute photos of our father, father-in-law, and grandpa to a shared cloud folder. Sorting through years of images was bittersweet, but it reminded me how fortunate we were to have so many snapshots of life with him. There were photos of him working on renovation projects with Kent, pictures of us hiking and biking together, and countless images of him sharing tender moments with our kids—reading books, playing board games, or simply giving them a warm hug.

During the Celebration of Life, the slideshow played on a screen for everyone to see. It was an incredible tribute, painting a vivid picture of the man we all loved so deeply. For those closest to him, it was a moving walk down memory lane. For those who didn’t know him well, it was a touching introduction to his kind and adventurous spirit. It was proof of the power of photographs to tell a story and keep a legacy alive.

These days, we all have phones in hand, constantly snapping pictures.

But often, those photos sit in the cloud, forgotten and unappreciated. Printing them feels like a daunting task, so we rely on social media or digital memories to preserve them. And while any photo is better than none, many are blurry, poorly lit, or just don’t do justice to the moment they’re capturing. My eldest daughter recently mentioned how she doesn’t like photos others take of her because they rarely reflect her at her best. She said she prefers the ones I take, and it struck me—there’s something special about a well-captured image.

While casual photos have their place, I wish more people had high-quality images of the ones they love. It’s easy to underestimate their value until they become one of the only ways we can feel close to someone again.

Pictures are like little time machines, bringing back moments I might otherwise forget.

For me, so many of my memories are tied to photographs. The same is true for my kids. When they flip through their photobooks, even the memories they were too young to recall spark something within them—a feeling of joy, love, and the beauty of their childhood.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you.”

And while that’s true, there’s something transformative about professional photography. Investing in photos that are crisp, clear, and artfully composed can capture not just the image but the heart and soul of a family. These are the kinds of photos that become heirlooms, cherished by generations. They’re the ones you’d save in a heartbeat if your house were on fire. They’re that important.

Life moves so quickly, and kids grow up in the blink of an eye.

The beauty of a photograph is that it freezes time, holding onto a moment forever, even as the people in it grow and change.

If you’d like to experience this for your family, let’s make it happen.

Whether it’s a snowshoeing adventure, a cozy day at home, or something entirely unique to you, I’d love to help create images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Click here to see how other families have captured their adventures, or reach out to plan one of your own!