While organizing my family tree this week, I’ve begun to realize the only photographs I have of are my immediate family. Tracing lineage on my nana’s side back to the 1700′s, I wished I could see photographs of even those family members only 3 generations away. The earliest photograph I know of is of my nana’s mum from somewhere between 1910 – 1930. In the search for family documents, I discovered copies of border crossing records, marriage certificates, and death certificates – what an amazing feeling! Proof of moments in time that tell a story of my family years ago! I only wish there were images to tie it all together; to see those faces of family we were never able to meet and create a tangible family tree album I could pass down to my children and grandchildren should I ever be so blessed to have them.

My family hasn’t had a photograph taken together in years. Strange, right? Professionally, I strive to capture those amazing genuine moments for clients, but in my own life, things just get “too busy”. We take things for granted in the digital age – we all have digital point and shoots in our bags, or cameras built into our phones – we can take photos whenever we wish, right? Do we? Rarely.

I think this is the first photograph we may have of all four of us together with our 15 year old dog, buddy. Can it be? Surely we must have a photo of the 5 of us prior to this in the last 15 years? We don’t. This is the first. The photo was taken just a few months shy of Buddy’s passing, and we all look back on this moment fondly. My only regret is not taking more when there were so many opportunities.

The following letter floated around the internet in early January, leaving me touched, yet hesitant to share for fear people may see it as something it’s not.

The sentiment is photographs are important. They are not just digital files or pieces of paper. Photographs are important family heirlooms that will be treasured by your children, grandchildren, and future generations.

This letter is being shared with you in the hopes it will inspire you to pick up a camera or hire a professional if you choose; to simply capture images of those most important to you, and have those memories to look back on for years to come.

 ”This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago. I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now. It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either. If you choose to read through the letter, you will know why I’ve finally chosen to share it.

July 2nd, 2011

Jeanine –

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons. I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind. I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby. I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family. After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you.. Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session. Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip. This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for unnecessary things. My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor. It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly. I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice. It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me. The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them. Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it. If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth. I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos. I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L.”

Original Source is here

The follow-up post the the original can be read here.

Much love,

Hailey