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The Vanishing Generation: The Impact of Not Printing Portraits

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In today’s digital age, we are surrounded by an abundance of digital photos stored on our smartphones, computers, and cloud services. While the convenience of digital photography has its advantages, there is a growing concern that we are losing an entire generation of photographs due to the lack of printing.

Let’s explore FIVE consequences of not printing portraits and the importance of preserving our images/memories in tangible form.

  1. The Fragility of Digital Data: Digital photographs are susceptible to loss or corruption. Hard drives can fail, memory cards can get damaged, or files can accidentally be deleted. By not printing portraits, we place our memories at risk, relying solely on fragile digital files that can easily disappear.
  2. The Joy of Tangible Memories: There is something magical about holding a physical photograph in your hands, feeling the texture, and reliving the moment it captured. Printed portraits allows us to create tangible memories that can be displayed, shared, and passed down through generations. It brings a sense of nostalgia and connection, evoking emotions that digital images alone cannot replicate.
  3. The Importance of Archiving: Printing portraits ensures their longevity and preservation for future generations. By printing and archiving photographs, we create a tangible legacy that can be enjoyed by our children, grandchildren, and beyond. These printed portraits serve as a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of belonging, and allowing our stories to live on.
  4. The Loss of Personal Touch: In the digital realm, our photographs often remain hidden within the confines of our devices (think about yourself trying to find one single image on your iPhone). Printed portraits allows us to showcase our cherished memories in our homes, creating a personal touch and a sense of warmth. They serve as conversation starters, sparking stories and connections with our loved ones. Without printed portraits, we miss out on the opportunity to share and celebrate our lives with others.
  5. Preserving Cultural Heritage: Printed portraits are not just about preserving our personal memories; it is also about safeguarding our cultural heritage. Family portraits capture moments that define our identities and histories.

As we continue to navigate the digital age, it is essential not to overlook the importance of printed portraits.

Preserving our memories in tangible form allows us to safeguard them against technological failures, relish in the joy of physical touch, and create lasting legacies for future generations.

Let us not allow an entire generation to be lost in the millions of digital images, stuck on a device.

At Innovative Images, Kurt is a PRINT ARTIST. Now you know why!

Fall Photo Session in Texas

This family is so incredible to be around. There is a joy that flows from each member of the Danna family that is inspirational. Not only are they a gorgeous family on the outside, they are pure gold on the inside.

I wanted to spotlight this session so you can see results from a fall photo session in McKinney. During the photoshoot, we do lots of poses including traditional and photojournalistic. In addition, we love to do small groups inside of the family. In this instance, we even did individual poses.

Results were printed in a beautiful coffee table book so all the poses they loved will be enjoyed forever. In addition, we produced a stunning 18×36 framed collage which made a perfect wall portrait for the family.

Nothing is more precious than family time and pictures are literally the only tangible way to keep the memories alive.

Family Portraits Indoors

For the past twenty years or so, most families desire their family portraits to be taken outdoors in nature for a natural, casual style that look great on display on the walls of their homes. We agree that this is a stunning look that will be popular forever.

In the 70’s, 80’s and before, families went to their local photography studio similar to Olan Mills, and did their family portraits inside a studio on a painted background. Most families dressed in their “Sunday best” with no regard for blending with one another. It’s easy to spot one of these portraits and often they are pretty funny. I’m sure you have some of these gems in your attic or on the walls at Grandma’s house.

Today, there is a healthy blend of many types of family portrait locations both indoors and outdoors. There are some indoor studio family portraits (although these are few and far between because there aren’t many photo studios with adequate space and photographers who understand indoor lighting.) We still do this type of photography and the results can be absolutely stunning. Another style of indoor family portraits is the location session inside the client’s home. This can be a wonderful idea because it documents the family’s life inside their own setting therefore the results looks incredible on display in gorgeous family portraits on their walls. Another advantage is there is no weather to deal with so hair and light is always great. Many clients have said there is no good spot in their home. Some are surprised to see that an experienced photographer can look for angles and areas that photography beautifully!

We absolutely love outdoor photos but indoor family portraits have their advantages. If it’s time for your next family portrait and you want to do something different this time, we suggest an indoor session. Take a look at this recent session at the client’s home. We love the windows providing exquisite lighting and the clothing which blends with their decor.

Changes in Professional Photography for Family Portraits

Back in the 70’s and 80’s, almost every professional family photo was taken indoors. Popular portrait studios like Olan Mills and JC Penney had a corner on the market. There were many individually owned brick and mortar photo studios too. At that time, the photographer had to have an understanding of lighting and posing in order to be successful. Many photographers had their own darkroom for film processing. Retouching was possible, but it was a process! Most of the time, the photographer would send his/her film to a professional lab for retouching specifics. It was a lengthy process but the results could be absolutely stunning when it was done correctly.

We opened Innovative Images in 1992. We did all of the things detailed above, but we were young and open to change. We started using Photoshop from the very beginning and it was definitely rogue. We remember the very first time we saw a digital camera at a professional conference. It was incredibly expensive and the results were VERY POOR. We knew the digital technology wasn’t up to our standards, but we watched as things progressed rather rapidly. We ended up buying our first digital camera a few years later and used it specifically for business headshots because the images were not good unless they were very small. In 1998, we rented a very expensive digital camera to use for a family portrait session of a high profile celebrity. The client ended up ordering beautiful, large wall portraits from indoor images we created and our journey into digital photography was off and running.

Never could we have imagined the introduction of the cell phone camera. This invention allowed everyone to have a digital camera on them all the time. Many people decided they no longer needed professional photographers or printed photos. Family photos shifted to almost exclusively outdoor settings and the lines of what constituted a professional photographer became blurred. Today, digital cameras are everywhere and many “pros” actually use a cell phone during their sessions. Believe us when we say that there is a difference in the output of digital cameras but mostly the difference in high quality work is still the result of a high degree of understanding in lighting, posing, and retouching.

Our goal is to provide a true professional experience and unbelievable results. We are always learning and growing within the profession and we hope to continue creating gorgeous, meaningful family photography no matter what changes in the world of photography occur. While we love outdoor family portrait sessions, we do offer indoor sessions and the results can be stunning and dramatic when done right. In fact, there seems to be a resurgence of good, quality indoor photography reminiscent of what was produced 50 years ago but better. In addition, clients are loving beautifully done printed, tangible portraits instead of bunch of digital images that get lost and unappreciated. More on that in a future blog post!

What to Wear in a Family Portrait

In the old days, photographers might have told a family to wear something like all white and denim or all black. Easy, YES, but good, NO! Seriously, how many families go around looking like clones? We want your family portrait to be a natural look but there are things to consider. Here are some do’s and don’ts!

*DO these things:

1.Come up with a plan for the portrait session. Do not allow each person to just show up in their favorite clothing. Color harmony and mood is important.

2. Wear colors that would look like a great accent in your home. In other words, if you decorate in gray and blue, don’t wear colors such as red, hot pink, burgundy, etc. Stick with neutral tones that will blend with your home’s decor.

3. Wear clothes that somewhat match each personality yet blend with the family. Solid colors mixed with very small prints containing the solid color choice and jackets, vests, etc. are usually a nice look.

4. Wear layers, jewelry, etc. to highlight each person’s unique style.

5. Women should wear a little make up! You can look sick and pale with nothing to highlight your face! I know you want to look natural, but a little makeup is a great thing.

6. Wear a variety of textures.

7. Wear colors that go with the natural background of the season. (Ex: Do not wear springlike colors in a fall landscape)

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*DON’T do these things:

1. Wear bold patterns ESPECIALLY bold stripes!

2. Wear WHITE especially if you’re the only one! You’ll be too bright and overpowering.

3. Wear short sleeves if you are even a pound overweight. Trust me on this one. We can help the situation in the retouching process but help me by not doing it and help yourself because your arms will look bigger than you think.

Wear socks that will show such as little white athletic socks!

Wear a mix of light and dark colors. Choose either light or either dark or all neutrals on top. PLEASE AVOID SHIRTS LIKE NAVY AND WHITE STRIPES, ETC. This is an absolute killer.

Use this chart to help you come up with a color scheme!

This family did a beautiful job of mixing textures (sweaters, lace, quilted vests, jacket, etc.) In addition, they look perfect in the fall background. There are at least 3 people in off white which is good because if there were only 1, that person would have been the focus of the group. Everyone has on a NEUTRAL color scheme that is similar to option 6 above. They go together but each has their own look! What a gorgeous family portrait!

Family Portraits Boost Self Esteem

Experts say Family Portraits have a Positive Effect on Children’s Self Esteem

We all love having family portraits adorn our walls, however, experts say hanging portraits on your walls is serving a much higher purpose.

An interesting, and rarely discussed aspect of family photography, is how it instills our children with more confidence, and self worth. When asked,  How can family portraits assist in boosting a child’s self-esteem?, Dr. David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio said,  “ It is so helpful for children to see themselves as a valued, and important part of a family unit.  A photographer’s job is to create, and make the image look like a safe holding space for kids, where they are safe and protected. Kids get it on a really simple level.” Krauss is one of the earliest pioneers in using people’s personal photography and family albums to assist in mental health counseling and therapy. He co-authored “Photo Therapy and Mental Health” in 1983 that is considered a founding text for the use of photography in therapy.

Additionally, Judy Weiser, a psychologist, art therapist, and author says, “It lets children learn who they are, and where they fit,”  Weiser has spend more than 20 years  using photography to aid in treatment for her clients. She is considered to be the foremost authority on a treatment technique called PhotoTherapy. “They learn their genealogy, and the the uniqueness of their own family, and its story. When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph they say to themselves: ‘These people have me as part of what they are, that’s why I belong here. This is where I come from.’”

Digitals or Prints?

Which will have the greatest positive impact for your child?

 It has become more common for us to enjoy, and store our portraits and photographs solely on our digital devices. So, we are left asking ourselves, Do digital images have the same positive impact on a child’s self esteem?  In response to that question, Dr. Krauss states, “My bias is very simple. I think they (family portraits) should be on the wall. I am very conservative about self-esteem, and I think placing a family photo, someplace in the home where the child can see it every day, without having to turn on a device, or click around on a computer to find it really hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them, and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It lets them know where they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for.”

The importance of printed photographs displayed in your living space was echoed by other experts.

“Displaying photos prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced,“ says Cathy Lander-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker and a professional photographer in St. Louis, Missouri and the director of Photo Explorations, which offers workshops to girls and women using portrait and journaling for self-reflection.  

Additionally, Dr. Krauss recommends having photographs of that child with their family placed in the child’s bedroom so it can be among the last things they see before sleep and the first thing they may see before beginning their day. “It says we love you, and care about you. You’re important.”

Case Client Spotlight

The Magic of the Perfect Gift

We all know gift giving can be difficult. It feels more often than not, we resort to “safe” gifts, such as flowers, candles, chocolate, or gift cards. None of which light up our souls the way finding the PERFECT gift, for that precious loved one does. As I get older, the more important giving, and receiving, thoughtful gifts has become. A gift that says, “I pay attention to what you like, I know what you love, because I love you!”

This past holiday, I had the privilege of working with a brother and sister, who had gone above and beyond to present their mother with the PERFECT gift. You see, this family has been clients of our studio since they were children, now they are grown, and both recently graduated college. Both of them are now out in the world, starting their careers, and exciting new chapters of their lives.

Chandler knew his mother cherished their portraits from here, he also knew his mother would absolutely LOVE to have portraits of him and his sister, together, in their college graduation caps and gowns, and in their professional wear. But due to the complexity of life, geography, and schedules not lining up- it was likely his mom was not ever going to get that portrait.

Despite busy work, and holiday scheduling, he and his sister made the time to meet at our studio, and have portraits made for their lovely mother. To her surprise, she was presented with a beautiful collage of images for Christmas, she was in absolute awe of how her children had put such time, energy, and thoughtfulness into the perfect gift for her. This act is something she will never forget!

We at the studio, had the honor of getting to be a part of the perfect gift. Each, and every one of us, was moved by the careful attention that had been paid to every detail of the process. Thank you to the Case family, who re-inspired me to do better when giving, to really step back, pay attention, and give from the heart. Giving the perfect gift spreads magic to everyone who gets to be a part of it. No more holding back, when you give, give fully- make it memorable!

Bluebonnets – a Texas Tradition

“Where flowers blossom, so does hope.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson

Spring is just around the corner, and we are all patiently, (or in my case, not so patiently), awaiting her arrival. For Texan’s, the official announcement of spring will be broadcast by the spectacular Bluebonnets adorning our fields and roadsides. We’ve endured a wet winter, which should ensure massive amounts of bluebonnets to enjoy as the sun returns. Many Texas families have made a tradition of taking family pictures amongst the fields of blooms. If you haven’t joined in this fun Texas tradition, it’s never too late to start! 

 

 Bluebonnet Fun Facts:

In 1901, the bluebonnet was adopted as the state flower. 

In the 1930’s, the Highway Department began planting bluebonnets along state highways.

Texas was the first state in the nation to plant flowers along the highways.

Texas State Wildflower Day is celebrated every April 24.

Bluebonnets peak bloom season actually is May to July

There are actually five species of bluebonnet, and all are accepted as the state flower.

 

In the 1970’s, Lady Bird Johnson, encouraged all Texans to scatter wildflower seeds along the highways, resulting in the remarkable display of bluebonnets along our roadsides.

 

This is the year to join in the fun, and document Spring with this longstanding Texas tradition.