Oh, the HUMANITY…of humanity. We are interesting creatures, humanity. We love, hate, laugh, cry, kill, protect…and yet, despite our lengthy history, still surprise with never before seen moments. Our expressions are limitless and, try as we might, little is hidden from view. Our eyes and body language betray us, offering the observant windows into the depths of mankind.
When I’m making humanity photos, I look for those windows. I’m not content with posed couch shots of families who never wears sweaters or ties. I want to see people in their natural environs…moved in millions of ways by the lives they live. If a kid spends all day, every day with his Batman costume on, their humanity photos should show that, at this point in time, this is who they were. A straightened up, hair combed picture might be good for the school photo, but parent and grandparents, friends, and eventually they, will want to remember them the way the were.
Or…what about a family humanity photo in a disaster of a family room, with the parent disheveled and the kids leaping on the furniture? The “posed couch shot” is good for the church directory, but why not add a little humor with what the normal Sunday afternoon in your home looks like?
Memories aren’t posed. They’re moments of real life, happy and sad, crazy and calm, that shouldn’t just be for recalling. A picture is word a thousand words and these are stories that should be told.