Several years ago I had a great conversation with the hired videographers while attending a wedding. A few weeks later, I was blown away to see the final product delivered to the bride and groom and shared on social media. The film perfectly captured the emotion of the day, adding so much intensity to the memories. I was so inspired! I immediately knew that including a film option in family sessions would add a depth to the experience that photos alone couldn't communicate.
Every year I continue to work on my craft through classes and workshops and over the past two I've taken several classes to hone my filming skills. As a side note: When I talk about Family Films, I often have people ask if I mean only that I'll be shooting your photos with a traditional film camera. In this case, what I'm talking about is more comparable to what some consider videography. The photography industry has really been advocating for these pieces to be referred to as films to give some distinction and distance from what might be considered a simple home video.
So why should you consider the added expense of including a Family Film with your photo session. If you're hiring a professional, I know that you already believe in the importance of documenting your family. I would bet that you have tons of small videos of your family stored on your phone and in the cloud. When you see a photo of your child in their early years you may sigh or swoon, it may feel like yesterday or 100 years ago. But when you see a video of your child it is seeing your memories in motion! Your emotional response increases exponentially. You already know how important it is to have a record of your family as they grow! Much like your photos, how many videos do you have that include YOU (or your partner, siblings etc.?) So of course having someone capture those moving moments for you is a great idea!
The best part of choosing to add a Family Film to your session is that you're already there! You've already gathered your family, made yourselves presentable and committed to the professional photos. For my families who choose to add films to their sessions, I will be shooting film in bursts in between your photos - often you won't even know it. I've had families ask how this extends our time together. Adding a Family Film to your session generally only adds 15 minutes or so to your time commitment. Currently, my family films are delivered through Vimeo which makes them simple to share with family members near and far.
So why wouldn't you add films to your session? Hop over to Vimeo if you'd like to see more samples of my work. Any questions, just holler!
Boys on Boards
One of my dear friends suggested I film her sons beginning skateboard lessons with their expert uncle. There is so much magic in these little moments!