February 3, 2015

What I Wish I Knew Back Then

About the business

Life events.

There are milestones in life, some big and some small.  When a major life event rolls around, what is one thing that they all have in common?

The want need to document that time in your life.

What I wish I knew back then…

First comes graduation and then your engagement.  Your wedding and a brand new baby are soon-to-follow.  It all happens so fast that if we don’t stop and truly make an effort to preserve these times, they fade away as many memories do.  If you are like me, I always tell myself not to forget that quirky grin or silly thing that your child does.  I’ve realized, though, that if we don’t have tangible memories, we will forget.  New memories are made every day and it’s difficult to remember it all without documenting your story through print or on paper.

If you are anything like me, there was always a budget involved.  When I got married many moons ago, I allotted $500 to my engagement AND wedding photos.  You read that right….$500.  I honestly have no clue what I was thinking, other than I had no idea where my priorities were.

I cannot, ever, get those moments back.

I want to kick myself, really,  because what was such a huge life event is documented in crappy pictures.  I should have just set disposable cameras at the guests’ tables and let them take pictures (oh wait, I did that, too!).  I look back at the images I have and they do NOT tell my story from that time.  They were an ill attempt at someone trying to be a photographer when they weren’t.  It’s my fault, though.  I had a budget and spent money on my dress and flowers instead.

So then we had our first baby, and I paid for pictures.  I loved them at the time, but looking back, I was frugal cheap and didn’t want to invest a whole lot.  You would think I would have learned my lesson!  Then our second boy came along.  I had opened my business and decided to take them myself.  Worst idea, ever.  You know why?

I’m not in any of the images.

So here we are, present day and I now have my priorities straight.  I have a session booked this month with a local photographer so I can have images with just my boys and me.  I have another session booked with another photographer for family pictures in the Fall.  I am investing and preserving our moments in print.  I am sparing no expense, as new clothing will be bought for everyone and I will get my hair and makeup done.

“Wow, that’s a lot of money for pictures”.  I have said it myself and heard it plenty.  You know what, though?  Portraits from an actual photographer (not a fauxtographer) trump that new pair of shoes or that fancy dinner out.  They are worth every.single.penny because you can never get those moments back.

So there, I said it.  Don’t spend your budget on a new pair of shoes, new furniture, or shiny jewelry.  I never want to hear that fine art portraiture is out of your budget when  you are carrying a Louis Vuitton or sporting Manolos.

Those are material items that go out of style.  Fine art portraiture never goes out of style.

It’s something I learned the hard way.

Invest in your family.  Preserve your memories.  Pass down treasures.

Lentille Photography is a Sugar Land Family photographer who specializes in newborn, children, family and maternity photography in Sugar Land, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Houston, Bellaire, River Oaks and The Heights.

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Lentille Photography and would like more information, please click here for details on sessions and the heirloom products that are offered.  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at lentillephotography@gmail.com.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

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