Family photos serve an incredibly valuable purpose in our lives, both at the time they’re created and, over following years, as a way to look back in time and see something of the life lived by those that are most dear to us.
Family photos, in addition to their documentary nature and our preference for creating a pleasing likeness of those depicted, have the capacity to transcend the humble snapshot and become meaningful art. As such, the family photo can be elevated from the family photo album to the art gallery wall.
Family photos bring great pleasure into our lives as they document the people depicted, often at an important moment in their lives, and allow us to look back at how fashion, physical appearance and our lives have changed over the years.
The above image was made, as part of a commission, to create family photos for a fellow classmate from my primary and high schools.
Members of the extended family were returning to my hometown, Hamilton, for Christmas celebrations and to spend time with their grandmother who was terminally ill.
I happened to be home myself and, when I received the unexpected call, I was happy to make time for the photos.
Despite being a very hot summer’s day the family photos session was great fun. I’d scheduled the session as late in the day as I could, knowing the light would improve as the session progressed.
Up until then, I did all I could to find areas of open shade in which to situate my subjects. Fortunately, the rambling backyard included large trees which provided decent shade.
I made all manner of photos on the day featuring couples, individual families, grandparents and pets.
I love this particular photo as it shows the grandchildren and their partners, in a relaxed group photo in the family’s backyard, where they were all camping.
In line with expectations, most photos were supplied in color. But I have to say, my personal favorites were those that I converted into black and white.
They just seem to convey the sense of nostalgia that’s associated with this kind of image and growing up, on the edge of town, on a large, somewhat wild and overgrown bush block.
The signs featured in this photo pointed to where tents had been erected for members of the family, as well as other essential places of interest including the bush shower, toilet (i.e., thunderbox) and meals area.
I have to say, it was a very impressive bush camp.