For the Love of Photography
Photography found its way into my life from the earliest moments of my childhood, gently nudged into my world in the most delightful manner imaginable.
My Grandpa Harlan was the family's designated visual storyteller. His camera was an extension of his being, faithfully accompanying him through every adventure. Whether wielding his trusty video camera or his cherished photography gear, he tirelessly documented the tapestry of our family’s daily life. .
Recollections of waking up at our snowy family cabin often flood my mind. Family members were greeted by the sight of Grandpa Harlan's lens, perpetually poised to capture the best (and worst) candid moments, even in the quietude of sleep. Reflecting upon those cherished images now, they evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia that I continue to hold dear.
In my younger years, I must confess, I didn't always relish the constant presence of the camera. Yet, with time, I grew to appreciate the significance of preserving fleeting moments. This eventually sparked my involvement in my high school's newspaper program, where I occasionally found myself behind the lens, immortalizing events through photography.
The joy I derived from this experience propelled me to acquire my own camera, following in my grandfather's footsteps. Throughout high school, I embraced the role of family documentarian, chronicling the adventures and mundane moments alike. Rarely did I travel without a camera in hand, eager to capture life as it unfolded.
Upon graduation, the thoughtful gesture of my mom and Grandpa Harlan bestowed upon me a digital camera, unwittingly cementing my position as the photographer of my group of college friends. Yet, as life's demands called, photography momentarily took a backseat amidst the whirlwind of school and career pursuits.
His unwavering commitment to this timeless craft serves as a reminder of photography's enduring power—the ability to transcend generations, weaving together the threads of our shared history into a quilt of beautiful memories.
My entry into the phase of motherhood provided a newfound appreciation for the immediacy of smartphone photography. Yet, I wanted to encapsulate our family's adventures in a more substantial manner. Thus, armed with a Nikon Z5, I embarked on a journey to meticulously document our travels, preserving every smile and milestone with care and precision.
The transition from smartphone snapshots to purposeful imagery marked a turning point in my photographic journey. Before long, I found myself offering my services to friends and family, capturing their cherished memories with the same fervor and dedication that had fueled my own passion.
Now shooting with a Sony A7IV, I find myself immersed in a world of possibilities. While there has been tremendous technological advancement, one constant remains—the steadfast dedication of my Grampa Harlan, now in his nineties, diligently cataloging the beautiful memories of our family's legacy.
His unwavering commitment to this timeless craft serves as a reminder of photography's enduring power—the ability to transcend generations, weaving together the threads of our shared history into a quilt of beautiful memories.
For me, photography is more than just a visual art form; it is a conduit through which families immortalize their legacies, preserving moments that will be passed down from one generation to the next. It's the laughter frozen in time, the joy etched upon smiling faces, but above all, it's the narrative of our family's journey through life—a narrative that I am honored to document and preserve for generations to come.