Not what but Why | Annapolis Family Photographer
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It’s never really been that important to me that you know WHAT I do… what is important to me is that you know WHY I do it. Years ago before becoming a full time photographer and building the brand now known as Sarah Michele Photography I worked in the medical profession with a very rewarding career. I worked with patients everyday, often times helping them to feel better, and enjoy life, but once they were discharged.. I usually never saw them again. It wasn’t until I had my first daughter that I began to think of things differently, I viewed the world differently, and how I responded to those around me……
For me building SMP isn’t just about pretty pictures, and portraits printed into canvases, and prints to send to family members…. for me this is about THEM, this is about YOU. My children are my life, they are woven so deeply into every fiber of my being and watching them grow is both exciting and deeply saddening. With each passing day there is one less for them to be with me. They will quickly grow and no longer need me the way they do today, they will no longer lay their heads down onto my chest the way that they do when I hold them, they wont fall asleep in my arms, and call me mama in those tiny voices.
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Once a moment is over and gone and the memory we have in our mind has faded then what we have left are the portraits and the videos we have captured of them. Being able to hold an image and the feeling and emotions captured in that image bring you right back to that moments, the smell of the air, the sound of their giggling voices, the feel of their soft skin…. its like you are there again.
To capture you in those moments with your child and to know that I have forever preserved a slice of life for you, I have documented a step in your journey, I have given you the ability to re-live it all over again… it’s a magnificent feeling and its why I do it.
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I see you sitting in a rocker one day, with a tattered blanket that you crafted while teaching your children how to sew, maybe crochet blanket you were gifted at a baby shower many years ago, your house will have grown much more quite as the little feet that once screamed and giggled down the halls have grown and married, and moved on. You will wish you had them in your arms again, you will want to sniff their sweet baby heads just one more time, you crave them just sitting next to you, calling your name for the 100th time that hour… and you will pick up your album and look at your portraits and just like that you will be here again, in these days that feel so tiring as a mother, with babies waking all night long, and kids hanging off of you, little hands in yours, muddy rain boots by the backdoor, catching fireflys in the summer, kisses in the sunset…. these are the moments that people dream off… these moments you will never want to forget….and so you.. the older woman in the chair will walk down your halls that have been lined with signature canvases and wall art and you will remember moments, and feelings, and emotions. You will see that look on her face when she danced with her daddy on her wedding day, and a tear will fall down your face, and and smile will form and you will reach your hand out and place it on the portrait and close your eyes for just a moment…. and its like you are there again…
This…… this is WHY I do it, this is WHY I am honored when you book your family portraits, and your newborn Portraits and when a bride chooses to become an SMP bride. I want to create a relationship with you and follow along on your journey for years to come and document your life and show you portraits, that are beautiful works of art because you and your family are in them.
Maybe it’s because I see myself as an old women one day looking through the portraits, and the photographs I have taken of my children and I know it will fill me with great JOY and I want you to have that too…….
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Lynnea - My “why” changed too when I became a mom and it’s neat to read a post from someone with a common “why”
Sharee Davenport - Oh be still my heart, these photos are so beautiful and timeless. Anyone would be crazy to not consider you as their Annapolis Family Photographer!
Alekandra - I love that you spoke about why you do it. BTW, this post will give some people baby fever 🙂
Ashleigh - Oh my gosh Sarah, thank you for sharing your big WHY with us! As an Annapolis Family Photographer you capture the moments for families they will forever cherish!
Whitney - It’s incredible the similarity we have. I started to think of my photography career differently once I had my daughter recently. I truly believe the WHY is what’s most important- thank you for sharing that.
Jamie - All this, so true! I feel the same way when I watch my babies growing into… not babies, and my heart breaks a little, but also loves to see them running around being their own little people. Great images are treasures!
Valerie - I loved this blog post so much! You are the best Family Photographer in Annapolis. Your clients are so lucky to have you!
Elizabeth - What beautiful Annapolis family photography moments! Just lovely!
Sarah - Wow, what an incredible Annapolis Family Photographer! I just love your website and these images are so soft and beautiful.
yasiris - what gorgeous family portraits. If I lived in Annapolis I should would consider you as our family photographer.
Erinn - It is such a special privilege to capture a family throughout all of its stages of growth and I think as an Annapolis Family Photographer you’ve captured that well. I always love looking back at old family photos and I know your families will cherish the memories you create with them for a long time.
EJ - My goodness these are super cute, lovely Annapolis Family Photographer.
Lisa Kingsbury - Having family photos taken is SO important! Families in Annapolis are so lucky to have you as their family photographer!
Alicia - As a new mom, I so appreciate this post! I love your heart for what you do!! And your images are gorgeous on top of it 😉
Audrey - I agree that the why is so important! Your client are very lucky!
amy - Lovely blog post! It really is all about the “why” isn’t it?! I love these photos- you’re definitely an awesome Annapolis family photographer!
Lynn Funk - Yes, Sarah, in a blink of an eye, children grow up and drift away from you as they move toward being who God called them to be. Photos are memories captured in real time, that can last a lifetime. I treasure the photos you captured for our family!