The Intangible Value of A Heirloom Portrait

What one thing would you pick if you had to choose from all of your possessions? Many people would choose a family portrait. Nothing else stops time and documents your family like a family portrait. This article is about the emotional value of family portraits.

Back In Time

My childhood home caught fire during the summer before I entered second grade. The exterior of the house was brick and did not sustain much damage. The interior didn’t fare as well. One of the biggest losses was our photographs including baby, family, grandparents, pets and cars. All were destroyed by the fire.

As you move through your home, it is a pleasure to see portraits of your family and children. Even as you rush out the door to work, you catch yourself pausing to see your nineteen-year old daughter when she was twelve. She looks so different with braces. And could you possibly be happier about the investment you made in your children’s baby portraits. Your family portraits are truly priceless works of art.

When I consult with clients who hire me to photograph their families, my goal as an artist is to figure out what I need to do to create an heirloom portrait that their grandchildren will fight over. Based on the experience of losing my family photographs, I have opinions about what can catapult a portraits emotional value. For example, I think it is important to include more than one family member in a portrait whenever possible.

Going Forward

Let’s take an example of a mother commissioning me to photograph just her children. After describing the session I have planned, I ask her how much it would mean to have the same portrait of her and her siblings when they were children. What would the value of that portrait be to her now?

I ask how she would feel if that childhood portrait included her parents. Would it matter if her mother’s dress was not perfect or if her father needed a haircut? Then I ask her how valuable that portrait would be if I could magically reproduce it today and hand it to her. All of a sudden, the dress, the haircut and any other reasons for her and her husband not to be in the portrait are inconsequential. Her vision doesn’t have to change because of this. She still has the choice of ordering the family portrait or the portrait with just the children. The important point is to consider and take advantage of this unique opportunity to document her entire family.

Pets Remembered

For those of us that grew up with family pets, the same is true. A portrait of my parents, siblings and me would be priceless to me. Our dog was as much a part of the family as the rest of us. Including him in the portrait would make it even more special.

Adding Extra Value

An heirloom portrait should be personal and emotional. It might include a special piece of jewelry, a gift, a setting, or any other prop that speaks to the viewer.

What makes a portrait an heirloom for me? Lets say my house is on fire and everyone is safely outside. I have time to grab one thing before heading out the door. Without a doubt, that portrait of my family is the one that will go with me. And no, I wont give it to you even if you offer me 100 bazillion dollars. After all, its my future great grand children’s heirloom.