When people discuss planning a session with me and they are hesitant, it is usually because one of two reasons:  either weight loss or money.  I’d like to address the first of these excuses for not documenting life.

#1 – Weight Loss

I know, you want family portraits BUT you’re waiting to lose ten pounds before you schedule a family portrait session.  How long has that been going on?  When is the last time you looked at an image of your grandmother and thought, “Man, I wished Grandma would have lost ten pounds before she took this picture!”  That probably hasn’t happened because chances are, your grandma is the sweetest person you’ve ever known and you love her to pieces.  The image depicts her exactly the way you remember or envision her and I know that you cherish the image—especially if your grandma is no longer with us.

What if you didn’t have that photograph?  What if Grandma kept waiting until she had lost ten pounds before that memory was captured?  You wouldn’t have anything to document or memorialize her.  And, that is exactly how your children will feel.  After we’re gone, we only leave behind memories, heirlooms, and photos.  Ensure your children have all of these!

Speaking as a child of a deceased mother who only left behind a handful of images of herself, this stinks.  Especially as you get older, your memory starts to fail.  Pictures and portraits cement these memories in your mind.  They keep a memory intact that may have otherwise faded.  You will never regret having a family portrait taken.  But someday, you may regret NOT having it taken.

Here are some PERFECT images of my dear, sweet grandmother… a fine lady who we referred to as Memaw.  Though they are not perfect, I cherish these photos and I grateful that I have them!

Continue reading this series here.

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio wedding photographers who is available for local and destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!