Why is it important to include heritage photos in your senior portraits session?…or regular photo shoot or holiday/family cards?
It’s important for several reasons. First of all, you should celebrate your heritage and share it for posterity. It records a time in your life that you can reflect upon. All those traditions, dances, festivals, etc. that you invested time in can be captured in heritage portraits.
As we age, we appreciate looking back on photos of our youth. Youthful faces have no lines, wrinkles, or pores. Our hair and bodies age, too. A person can look back on their photos from their youth and remember that time of vitality as they grow in wisdom and experience.
Another super important aspect about heritage photos is the printed version of them and how it inspires the future generations. In this digital age, we often focus on the fleeting digital image for social media. However, a printed photo gets framed or including in a treasure box, scrapbook, or time capsule.
Personally, for me, I’ve been inspired many a time from the printed and framed photos of my ancestors. Whether it’s something in their wardrobe or an adventure they are on in the photo, I want to emulate those details, that energy. The printed, framed, displayed photos also inspire conversations to have with family members. It gives us opportunities to ask questions from our parents and siblings, cousins, etc. or to educate our children and progeny about the history of our families.
Heritage photos also add a uniqueness to a student’s “senior board” that some schools showcase at graduation time. They can also be useful on job networking portals or rush packets for sororities. It’s a great way to stand out. People enjoy meeting others who have something new to teach them and to broaden their understanding of life.
I learned so much from a portrait session with a girl who was part Creek Indian. That info will be in another post because of the concept collaboration we created.
Contact me to discuss any ideas you have and start preparing your heritage outfit and accessories!
-Gina Kingsley
