Queen Elizabeth II knew the power of messaging. Though our photos are not always meant to reinforce the relevance of a dynasty or to broker peace, we are passing down messages to our future family members yet to be born. How do we make beautiful photos that also message our loved ones in the future?
Rule 1: Make your photo in a place that is significant to you. If your family photos are taken at the same park, on the same rock as everyone else in town, you are missing out on a tremendous opportunity to tell your family’s story.
Rule 2: After posing for the camera, take a moment to interact with each other genuinely while your photographer is a “fly on the wall.” These photos convey the connections, the love and sometimes the tension that exists in our families.
Rule 3: Include items of significance. Perhaps you or your children can wear an heirloom wardrobe item. Young kids can bring a meaningful stuffed animal, doll or blanket. They could wear a special shirt, jacket, or dress from your childhood.
Rule 4: And of course, the Queen and the Royal Family are always known to include a piece of significant jewelry or a meaningful color to connect them to the people with whom they are visiting or communicating. This could include a pin or necklace that was gifted to them or a piece that is symbolic of a relationship or of the hopes of a future relationship. You might wear grandma’s bracelet. You might choose to use yellow as an accent color, because you hope for brighter days ahead. You might use green to convey the healing and depth of relationships in a family. Use your imagination!
By following these 4 important rules, your family photos will immediately be more important to you and to the stories that are woven into the fabric of your legacy. By taking just a moment to plan beyond “the look,” you can incorporate meaning and memory into an already beautiful family memory.
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