The Photo You Absolutely Must Capture this Holiday Season

This fall, my sister-in-law asked me to take her family photos. Hopefully, she won't read this, but upon reading her ask, I muttered, "NOOO!!!" and inhaled deeply to quash the anxiety rising in my body at the thought of photographing people. In the end, her session turned out beautifully, and I was reminded of something I want to share with you today.  

Most of you will know that my photography journey began with photographing people. First, I meticulously learned the technical skills I needed to operate my camera and then dove into exploring the creative side of photographing the everyday moments of my children. 

As I grew more confident in my skills as a photographer, I began taking on newborns and families to photograph. Although I enjoyed the families I met and photographed, my calling in photography was mentoring and teaching, hence where I am today. 

Now I know that the reason you open my emails weekly is for those little landscape photography tips. So, my tip this week might come as a bit of a surprise because this week, I'm going to suggest you turn your camera away from landscapes this holiday season...well, at least for a few images! Because the photo I'm suggesting you absolutely must capture this holiday season is more important than any landscape photograph you'll ever capture. 

This holiday season, even if you're not a portrait photographer, take the time to photograph those most important to you. Your memories are beautiful regardless of whether they are within your preferred genre or not.

My sister-in-law upon meeting me in the woods to capture her family this fall reminded me that the images of those we love are truly priceless. 

^{ISO 1250, 35mm, f2.8, 1/320SS}

It's good practice to embrace other genres of photography but even better practice to preserve your beautiful moments that will fade into distant memories as the years speed by. So this holiday season, be sure to pick up your camera and capture at least one image of the people you love.