Family Photography
This New York Times profile on photographer Sally Mann – one of my family photography heroes – is one of those periodic reminders of the importance of making photos at home.
Sally became well-known (and, sadly, controversial) because of her intimate family portraits. She has since moved on to landscapes and other forms of photography, especially as her children became adults.
I feel that transition happening in my own life, too. For the past 10 years, since my daughter Madelyn was born, family photography has been my main creative outlet: photos around the house, family vacations, and capturing moments as my kids get older.
In the past year, however, I have had more time for creative projects outside of my family and home. I rebooted my Artists In Jackson project, I’m taking more time to take little adventures around my community, and I’m revisiting projects that I worked on long ago.
It feels good! And I have a metric that shows my return to other kinds of photography – my Lightroom photo count:
Over the years, my photo count has decreased. Now, for the first time in a long time, I’m taking more photos than I have in years past – by a lot. That feels good, too.
But despite doing more photography, I haven’t lost sight of the importance of my own household. The kids are more mobile and active these days, but I still try to steal a shot when I can.
Family photography is still the most important kind of photography. It’s just that now, I have found my way back to other projects.