Reliving through a portrait

My husband and I recently lost a friend to lung cancer. He was one half of the first couple to befriend us as newlyweds 26 years ago. If you are a B. St.Pierre Studio Fan on FaceBook, you saw my post where I talked about the laughter shared and the great memories we have of this friendship over the years, and of this friend who is no longer with us.

In a situation like this I am reminded how much value each and every image I create really has. This family, now missing father and husband, has not only their snapshots, but numerous and varied professional portraits taken over the years at B. St.Pierre Studio. As I visited on what turned out to be the day of his passing, on the wall behind him was a hand-colored portrait of the entire family mugging for my camera in their softball uniforms, a sport that consumed their lives when the girls were in high school. What could have been a very sad moment actually became quite something else, because I was reminded in that instant of that day and the fun we had. It also reminded me who this man was, instead of seeing him as the frail suffering person in the bed. He was funny... a willing participant in this playful family portrait, someone who danced the Chicken Dance with great butt-wiggling gusto at parties we attended together. He was caring and sensitive, strong in his faith, and, a great friend. That portrait, taken years ago, all of us innocently ignorant of what time would eventually bring to bear, gave me back that moment.

A portrait session is not just a method to earn a living for me. I am very aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by families that are creating images that will be called upon to spark memories, and allow them to look into much loved eyes again. Not only must I do the very best job that I can possibly do, but the experience must be a good memory too, because some day in the future, that portrait will bring them right back to that very day.

I personally hold something in my own heart from client portrait sessions as well as from those for my family and friends. For example, the Four Generations of Women image with this blog, taken a few years ago... the baby girl and Great Grandmother especially will have changed since its creation, and I feel a special pride that I was the studio they selected to produce this treasured portrait for them, for I know just how important it will become as time goes on.

There are cultures that believe the spirit or soul of the person can be captured in a photograph. I believe, if I've done my job right, I have documented its essence, for us to enjoy not just for today, but for the future when we will be so grateful that we have it.