Photographing relationships - the shots you'll love the most.

Relationships are important.  So, why aren't you photographing them more?

My favourite thing to talk about in the photo courses I teach is the importance of relationships and the need to photograph them.  Most of us will agree that a photo of one person has a certain amount of value, although usually not to the person being photographed.  We love photos of individuals because of what those people mean to us, but they do not convey a relationship.  A photo of two or more people who have a strong connection means much more - especially to the people in the shot.

The above photos (Leanne and Sarah in most of them, Lianna in one) were taken by me of my daughter and friend(s) - meaningful relationships that she had while growing up and carry on even now as they approach their 30s.  But I guarantee that these photos have a far deeper meaning than a shot of just one of them.  Why?  Because it stands for a relationship and a time together.  A memory, a friend, and all that the relationship entails.

Now, it's true that I took these shots and they wouldn't have happened had I not been the over-reaching, bossy sort of father making such demands of my child and her friends.  The point is that they do exist and that it took both will and effort to achieve them.  It doesn't matter who takes the photo, it matters that the photo is taken at all.  This is why I often volunteer my services when I see other people doing group shots.

Although I value the ability to take selfies, the fact is that you will get a much better photo if someone else takes the shot.  Most rear-cellphone cameras have only a 5 megapixel ability and don't allow for much in the way of composition.  If I use someone's camera, cellphone or otherwise, and create a 12 megapixel image that is nicely composed, the photo will often be better than anything they could do.  And when there is a group sans one, it allows everyone to be there.  I am making a difference, albeit a small one, but maybe, just maybe, that will be the shot that they all love to look at all the rest of their days.

Now, that's a shot worth taking.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com