Portraits as Ritual: Turning a Photo Shoot Into a Transformation

Habits vs Ritual

I recently did a meditation on Rituals with Jay Shetty. One of the things that struck me the most about the mediation was that the main difference between routines or habits and rituals is intention. A habit we can do without much thought, but a ritual involves bringing our entire selves to the present moment.

Turning Portraits into Ritual

Maybe you have a habit of booking an annual photo session for your family. Maybe you do it around a holiday or vacation, or just every year so you can see how your family changes over the years. If you do that, you’re way ahead of the curve! It’s hard to make that a habit and make it happen during crazy phases of life. I’m a portrait photographer and I am AWFUL at remember to do family photos of my own family.

But maybe instead of it being just another thing you’ve got to tick off the to do list, it can become a ritual for you and your family. That could look like:

• Planning a game night or ice cream trip afterwards

• For littles, picking out a new stuffie before the shoot

• Asking your teen for outfit advice before hand and picking clothes together

• Having a “watch party” together when the photos are delivered complete with popcorn and snacks

What I love about this concept is how meaningful it makes a session. AND how it can be applied to so many types of sessions. Senior portraits? Go for a special dinner afterwards why your teen is dressed up or to a movie. Individual portraits or headshots? Treat yourself to some spa time ahead of time or have a watch party with a friend who is going to hype you up.

Ritual over Routine

The bottom line is we all need routines to keep our everyday lives moving but intentionally choosing space for ritual can bring joy and meaning to the everyday.

John & Lynn

I am so lucky to have these two in my life.  We call them Speed Racer's adopted Grandparents.  They're not Grandparents by blood but they have been an integral part of his life since he was born.  I have loved getting to know these two and being accepted as one of the family.

John and Lynn are proof that if you work at a marriage, love can last a life time.  They clearly still adore each other and had so much fun having their pictures taken.

They have traveled all over together, raised three beautiful women, and a complete gaggle of grandkids.  They cherish family as much as they cherish each other.

Thank you John and Lynn for not only making me part of your family but for showing me that youth is a mindset, not an age, and that love is eternal.  Your love is inspiring.