WHAT IS MY WHY?
So many people ask me why I wanted to be a photographer, especially when everyone has state-of-the-art camera on their phones these days. Why do I want to photograph people? What makes me love what I do?
Well, my 'why' had me photographing long before I set up Atelier Creative and will keep me photographing after... and that is people.
To me, there is nothing better than photographing the human face. I love it. I love every line, wrinkle, crease, blemish, beauty spot. The fact that one tiny move of a muscle completely changes the feeling and connection of a person with others in the room. That one muscle can light up a room or even send it into a sombre state.
So, I have always put a camera in front of everyone I know. It's been a blessing because I've captured memories that others have missed and some of those photos are the most treasured possessions I, and others, own.
In fact, my why goes deep than that. It's the moments I've failed to capture that live with me the most. People I have lost in my life I haven't had a chance to turn the camera onto and knowing that when I have, those images are priceless to people.
When people turn up for a portrait session, I am privileged enough to gain an insight into their world for just a short time. I am invited in and made to feel welcome. I get to work with them to create an environment that is personal to them. To showcase themselves and their families and to print that for them to keep for the rest of their lives and to pass down to future generations.
When people are asked what they would save if they were running out of a burning house, apart from their families and pets, most say photographs. The material possessions are replaceable, but imagery is priceless. And I get to create that for them. Their most priceless possessions. I'm a small part of that. That's such an honour.
I love being able to gift that to people. How can I not.
That is my 'WHY'.
