Are you a movie buff? I love watching movies. It allows me to escape reallity for a little bit and sometimes pushes me creatively. My favourite movies are sci-fi and horror/thrillers. However that doesnt stop me from watching other genres. When we can’t decide on what movie to watch our house has a general rule that if it doesn’t rate greater than 7.0 on IMDB then we will probably stay clear of it.

Yes, yes we are movie snobs 🙂

Anyway, we watched a movie called “Into The Wild” a few months back. I wrote about it on our Facebook page. I highly recommend you watch it (FYI currently 8.2 on IMDB).

The movie is about the true life story of Christopher McCandless who gives up all his possessions and leaves his well to do life and ceases communication with his family.

Although the movie depicts McCandless enjoying his carefree life that is full of adventure, towards the end of the movie (I won’t give the ending away) McCandless comes to the realisation that “Happiness is Only Real When Shared”
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What do you think of that statement?

Personally, I think there is some truth to it. However we all have achieved happiness and felt good about ourselves after some personal accomplishment.

But I guess what he is getting at is like the old adage. “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” So if you are happy and feeling joy in your life but there is no one with you to share it with is the feeling as great? Would it be greater if you could tell everyone you loved, shout it from the rooftops and have your loved ones celebrate with you? Probably YES!

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere with your family but for some reason or another one person doesn’t want to go? What usually happens is that no one ends up going. This happens to me quite a bit and the reason I don’t go is that it is no fun without having other people around.

I remember one time when Xuan and I were in Bali for the first time. We were having a great time seeing and experiencing new things. Then Xuan got sick and was bed ridden for 24 hours. Not wanting to stay in the small hotel room with nothing to do, I went out for the day. Although I went to new places, my excitement levels were nowhere near the same. Why? Because she wasn’t there to share it with me.

Selfie of Xuan and I enjoying Jimbaran beach in Bali

Family Photography is all About Sharing the Experience and Your Story

So how does all this relate to family photography? Well our kids grow up so quickly its scary. One moment they are just learning to sit up and the next they are walking. You take them to their first day at prep and the next you are buying them uniforms and books for high school.

We need to capture these precious memories and all the bits in between. You might take heaps of photos of them but these memories are no good to you if they are swallowed up by your computers hard drive and never see the light of day.

You need to print them. Preferably as wall prints. If you don’t like photos on the wall then at least print them and store them in an image box or create photobooks.

Are the images you take only of your kids? Remember the quote “Happiness is Only Real When Shared”. Do you take photos of the whole family? I guess its a bit hard too if you are taking them. Are you always missing in these family photos?

Parents Get Involved with your Family Photographs

I know sometimes parents tell me that they dont want to be in the photos we create for them. I always tell them, that maybe that’s what you feel now but I absolutely 100% guarantee that in 10 years time when you look back on the images you will regret it. Plus you will be doing your children a huge disservice. They want to see themselves with you. They want to know what you were like back then. Eventually, they will want to show their children what Nanna and Pop were like back then.

Remember, “Happiness is Only Real When Shared”.

Wow, all of that came from watching a movie. Maybe I should sit on my butt in front of the TV more often. 🙂

If you need family portraits done then please don’t hesitate to call me at the studio on 9570 6191 or contact us here. You will not regret making the decision.

Until next time, take care.
Warren