“To the people who love you most, you are a LEGEND. Your story is that of legends.”
Kids tell the most amazing stories. They need no prompting. It’s all unicorns and brain sucking aliens, jellyfish that talk and valiant knights in shining armor. They will beg you to get on the floor with them and race cars or pose like a mermaid sunning herself on a rock. Then, when you start asking them questions about their life, you find out their substitute teacher is like…um…probably 170 or something and you know way more about their best friend’s home life than you should in under two minutes flat. It’s all expression, and it is all fun! But they aren’t the only ones who love a good tale.
It’s human nature to tell stories. The first cave paintings that are suspected to be over 30,000 years old told stories about hunting and gathering. Because there was no written language, they would sign their works of art by handprint so that their legend could be passed down. These works of art speak to us tens of thousands of years later. We can relate, we can ‘read’ them without words, and it connects us. The power or art and the stories it tells cannot be underestimated. We gain perspective outside of our own, we experience a sense of belonging, we are challenged at times to get curious, it can teach us, empower us, change us, make us feel deeply, it can entertain us, and the list goes on and on. Storytelling is in our DNA. It is one of the most natural ways for humankind to pass time, but how often do we sit down to collect those stories with the ones we love?
5 years ago, my kids had a homework assignment to interview their grandparents for a family tree assignment. I remember sitting for almost two hours listening to my grandparents recall their childhood memories with vivid detail. And I remember thinking, "How in the world have I never heard this before?" My gut told me it was important, and we needed more of this. Then, time passed. A lot of time.
In October, we found out my grandma had four terminal brain tumors, and the first thing I did was pack up my travelling studio and recording equipment to head for Colorado. I was desperate to document everything with her that I could. Her health took a turn quickly, and we couldn't make it happen. I was sad, but there was no regret. I was with her. We still shared so much love, I soaked in every moment I could, and my little phone captured tiny snippets that I will cherish forever. But it did make me realize that I want to start conversations earlier with those closest to me. There is so much I don't know. So this time, I took action with my family when I returned home. I was singularly focused, and God bless each and every one of them, because we set-up the studio and told stories all day long. They each took their time in front of my camera, and I became the holder of their stories.
And the LEGENDS project was born. I bawled my eyes out looking through the photos of my family. Never had I owned something more precious than what I was scrolling through on the back of my camera. I want them blown up huge and on my walls so that every day I am surrounded by the people who love and support me most. That family session day, I found out why my dad loves being in the kitchen and cooking for our family, I heard treacherous stories of near accidents, hilarious stories of minor car incidents, I heard stories of deep childhood memories long forgotten, and I watched as my family members sneakily found activities closer and closer to my little studio set-up area. The stories became novelty, and no one wanted to miss out.
The LEGENDS Project has grasped my heart and soul, and now you can join the movement.
Who is this project for? Anyone of any age or background. Gift this session to a loved one who has a lifetime of beautiful that deserves to be documented. Gather up your bestie and come tell your epic stories together. Purchase this session for yourself as a way of honoring the part of the journey you are on now, because you are WORTHY of being seen now. Don’t think you are interesting enough? THINK AGAIN! To everyone who holds you dearly, your stories are legendary, and those portraits of you will bring them to tears. No fancy anything required- just you and your authenticity!
This is a type of ‘Come As You Are’ session. What is that?
It means you get to show up exactly as you want. If that is in a tux or with full hair and make-up done, so be it. If that is you in your hole laden, comfy sweats- beautiful. There will be very little editing to your images, and all of the photographs are shot with the intention of being presented in black and white. I am here to hold space for you and the stories you choose to tell. You are the work of art- honored and revered because there is no other quite like you. I am here to cheer you on and give you a comfortable space to shine. So what are you waiting for? Join the LEGENDS movement, and let’s create something beautiful together!
I currently have a Model Call out for 5 people to join our LEGENDS portfolio. Email me at elizabeth@studioblissphoto.com for more information on becoming a part of this project. To learn more…Legends-What's your story? — Senior, Personal Branding and Portrait Photographer, Springfield, Illinois