A week ago today I lost my dear sweet grandmother, Ella Goodwin. That’s Nannie to me. Quite the emotional upheaval and devastating loss for our family. She was a gem of a woman, so incredibly giving (she had the biggest garden you ever did see for such a small woman, working it and giving to the community until recently) She was loved by quite literally all who came in contact with her. I can only hope I got some of her genes for I do aspire to be like her and carry on her legacy of goodwill, community involvement, church leader & applesauce cake. Pineapple upside down cake too. Gosh I sure hope I got her great cooking genes hiding somewhere.
The outpouring of support, complete with a very personal, sentimental service with that provided a glimpse of her personality and pure heart was surreal. I found myself mesmerized with the slideshow compiled of many photos I had never laid eyes on of my Nannie, grandfather, my Dad, aunt & uncle and ancestors. As I sat there staring at the slideshow – a handful of photographs from her early teens until around 5 years ago, used to portray the life story of this magnificant woman. Her personality, her interests, her morals, her goals, her relationships, her style…all told thru photographs. Carried on in photographs. It wasn’t nearly enough to embody the such a unique woman, nor enough to comfort us. But it’s all we have left to hold on to.
The powerful impact these few images had to conjure up emotions and memories was astounding. I was only in about 3 of the photographs displayed, perhaps around ages 1, 6 and 9, yet I believe I remember posing for them. Even the photo where I am just a baby, I feel like I recall that moment. Most likely not, its probably that I want to remember that moment. That I have seen that photograph on numerous occasions and it’s familiarity may or may not cause me to remember that moment, but the image speaks to me and invokes emotion. I can feel the atmosphere, see the room and the face, hear the laughter, smell the perfume. I connect emotionally with photographs, allowing them to take me back to that time and place. Even if I never personally experienced it.
Watching that slideshow play over and over, it had never been more clearer or distinct. THIS is why I am a photographer. THIS is why I photograph people, families, events, celebrations, lives. My clients and the people I photograph for them are not just anybody, they are somebody. They mean the world to someone. I want to preserve time, people, smiles, personalities, life – so that they will never be forgotten.
I want to give them that tangible, visible proof to pass down from generation to generation, that photograph that will be tearfully gripped and pricelessly treasured when they are long gone. Proof that their love and their life existed.
Who knew that the holiday photo-sessions I somewhat force on the Goodwin family at Thanksgiving and Christmas would document our last Christmas with Uncle Garland and Freda last year & now our sweet Nannie? Who knew the candid photo of Nannie at my sister’s bridal shower in June would be the last? I certainly didn’t, but I made sure to not pass up the moment, just in case.
THIS is why I am a photographer. I strongly encourage everyone, photographer or not, to capture the moments that mean the most to you because one day they will mean the world to you.
You are quite the gem Nannie Ella. Always were and always will be <3 xo
+ COMMENTS
add a comment