1 week ago
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In the hustle of daily life, between schedules, obligations, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to overlook the moments that matter most. We all know the familiar refrain: “We’ll take a family photo next time.” But what happens when that next time doesn’t come? That question has hit home recently for a dear friend and respected figure in the photography community, Vanelli, after the sudden and tragic loss of his goddaughter, Erika. For Vanelli and Erika’s family, this loss has served as a poignant reminder of just how valuable family photos can become, especially when life changes unexpectedly.
With the Holidays rapidly approaching we as photographers, whether hobbyists or professionals, we’re the ones people count on to capture memories. But sometimes we forget to be intentional about the memories we create for ourselves and our loved ones. Vanelli’s story reminds us that every photograph we take today might become priceless tomorrow.
Why family photos matter more than ever
In our digital world, it’s easy to forget the impact that a single photograph can have. We snap quick pictures on our phones or professional cameras, but how often do we intentionally gather with our families for a proper portrait? Vanelli and his goddaughter’s family, like so many, found themselves realizing just how important those last photos from family gatherings and social events had become. They’re not just pictures; they’re the last memories, the only tangible connection to a loved one no longer there.
For Vanelli, who has shared his photography expertise with major names in the industry like Skylum, Adobe, Kelby Media, FMC, NAB, and B&H Photo, this experience holds an even more profound weight. As a mentor and guide in the field, he’s always been an advocate for capturing meaningful moments. His tragic experience only underscores the idea that we, as photographers and family members, have a responsibility to document our own lives with the same dedication we offer clients or followers.
The challenges of family photos
Yet, getting family members together for a photo is not always easy. As we all know, life has a habit of getting in the way. Work and school schedules, family obligations, travel distances, and sometimes family dynamics make it challenging to gather everyone at the same place and time. It’s simpler to say, “We’ll get a photo next time.” But with each postponed opportunity, we risk not capturing a moment that may never come again.
Important celebrations, and family events can feel busy or chaotic, and taking a posed family or team photo often doesn’t top the list of priorities. We think of them as nice-to-haves rather than must-haves. But as Vanelli’s story illustrates, these photos are so much more than nice mementos. They’re part of a legacy, a chance to look back and see the love and connection shared across generations.
Prioritizing family photos
The next time you’re at a family event or related gathering, take a moment to consider taking a family photo, even if it feels inconvenient or out of place. Here are some practical tips to make this easier and to ensure that no one is left out:
1. Plan for it. If you’re hosting an memorable event or family gathering, think ahead and designate a specific time for a family photo. It could be just before a meal or while everyone is relaxed and together.
2. Keep it casual. Formal photos can feel forced, and not everyone will want to dress up or pose perfectly. Instead, capture candid shots as well as a posed group shot. Real emotions, interactions, and imperfections tell the true story of your family.
3. Use a tripod or timer. To ensure that everyone, including you, is in the picture, set up a tripod and use a timer or remote shutter release. There are plenty of affordable options available, even for smartphone cameras, that can make this process simple.
4. Get creative. Family photos don’t always have to be stiff or traditional. Think about taking a picture in the family backyard, on the porch, or wherever feels comfortable. Capture everyone’s authentic selves rather than striving for perfection.
5. Print the photos. Don’t let those precious family photos remain buried in a digital folder. Print them, frame them, or create an album. There’s something tangible and meaningful about holding a photograph in your hands, and printed photos are more likely to be passed down through generations.
6. Encourage others to take part. Remind your family members of the importance of these photos. Sometimes people are reluctant to be in pictures, but gently remind them that their presence in family photos is a treasure, both now and for future generations.
Why you’ll never regret the effort
In the wake of this loss, Vanelli mentioned a deep regret that his goddaughter’s family didn’t have a single, comprehensive family photo that captured everyone together. It’s a regret that can haunt anyone who experiences an unexpected loss. But it’s a regret that’s avoidable. Prioritizing family photos doesn’t have to be a grand affair. What matters is that the photo exists, that it captures a unique moment in time that will never happen in the exact same way again.
As photographers, whether professionally or as a passion, we understand that a photograph is more than an image. It’s a feeling, a memory, a frozen piece of time. For Vanelli and his goddaughter’s family, those last photos are now cherished windows into a time they can never go back to. They’re a tangible piece of a loved one’s presence, something that will bring both joy and solace for years to come.
A call to action for photographers and families alike
For everyone reading this, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone with a camera phone, make it a priority to take those family photos. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, because the perfect moment is simply now. Gather your loved ones, embrace the chaos, and capture the laughter, the love, and the little quirks that make your family unique.
Vanelli’s story, painful as it is, serves as a powerful reminder to “take the shot.” Life is unpredictable, and our time with loved ones is often shorter than we think. When you next find yourself in a room full of family or friends, take a deep breath, pick up your camera, and take the shot. These moments, these images, will someday be the threads that tie together a legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness.
After all, it’s not just a photograph—it’s a memory, a reminder, and, ultimately, a priceless treasure. So take the shot. Don’t let the chance slip away.
English (US) ·