Portraits Are More Than Paper

Amy Betts — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:10:00 +0000

Credit for this post goes to Jeanine at Fototails Photography. Jeanine wrote this post yesterday, publishing a letter she received from a client. Her client expressed what so many of us don’t realize until it is too late, and very quickly, this post is “going viral” on Facebook. I am reposting it here for my clients, friends, and family with the hope that you all may realize just how important portraits, snapshots, and images truly are to our loved ones.

A letter on my door step. Portraits are more than paper.

Posted by jeaninethurston on January 2, 2012

There will be no portrait photos in this post. This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago. I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now. It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either – Until today, when a past client said that my print prices were too expensive. If you choose to read through the letter, you will know why I’ve finally chosen to share it.

July 2nd, 2011

Jeanine -

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons. I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind. I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby. I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family. After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you.. Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session. Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip. This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things. My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor. It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly. I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice. It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me. The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them. Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it. If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth. I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos. I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L.

Peace, love, and happiness to all my fans, friends, and family.

The Whitney Boys

Amy Betts — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:41:45 +0000

When I have photo sessions, they are usually high school seniors or families, and it seems like I am usually photographing girls, and very rarely do I get to work with little boys. One of my oldest friends was in town with his son for the Thanksgiving holiday, and we spent a morning having a photo session. Dean and Flint are the first father-son session I’ve ever had, and there is something so unique and wonderful about that connection and relationship. It was an honor for me to capture theirs.

Flint and Dean

Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable. ~ Plato

Pure Sweetness

Dean actually took this picture of Flint while I was tickling him, and it is one of my new all-time favorites! The pure, unrestrained laughter of a child is a cure for the deepest, darkest mood!

Watching a child’s laughter teach a candle’s flame how to dance. ~ Dr. Sun Wolf

Natural Natalie

Amy Betts — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 04:56:01 +0000

I don’t know what to say about this sweet girl. Even if I did, I wouldn’t know where to start. She is Emma’s best friend. If you ask Reagan, though, she is also Reagan’s best friend. She is athletic, funny, smart, caring, compassionate, loyal, and she is a hard worker (school, the farm, everything).

We took part of Natalie’s senior pictures today because she wanted to have some in the wheat before it is harvested. We had a great time tromping through the fields, knees giving out, tripping in coyote holes, and laughing.

Click to view slideshow.

Natalie is the part of our family that we don’t get to have around all the time, but she comes to visit often. We all love her!

Pretty Princesses

Amy Betts — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 09:39:25 +0000

I got to spend most of my day with these three lovely ladies.

I had a great time, and I can’t wait to do it again, soon!

Attention! Class of 2012!

Amy Betts — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:48:17 +0000

Donaven

Amy Betts — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:11:04 +0000

Donaven and I had to work hard to get our schedules to cooperate to make it out for his senior pictures. We finally managed to go out the morning of Mother’s Day, and we had a great time! It was by far one of my quickest sessions to date, but it was also one of the most enjoyable.

Donaven is a great kid with a very bright future. He must be very smart - he’s chosen to attend college in one of the best cities I know of – Missoula! Go Grizzlies!

Good luck next year, Donaven!

KayCee

Amy Betts — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 02:49:11 +0000

Sweet sweet KayCee. She is so unique – she has always marched to her own drummer, and that is probably my favorite thing about her. She knows herself and embraces her own style. KayCee is graduating in June, and then she’s planning on heading to the Seattle area for school. I know she will be successful, and she is going to go far!

When I took Janie’s senior pictures in February, KayCee went, too, and helped me. This time, Janie went with KayCee and me, and the girls wanted some pictures together. The picture near the tree is my interpretation of a picture KayCee’s mom has of the girls from earlier in their school days.

Arlene

Amy Betts — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:06:36 +0000

Arlene is a senior at Irrigon High School. I have known her since the end of her seventh grade year in school. She is one of my absolute favorites from my time working there. She is funny, quick-witted, and gregarious. Years ago she nick-named me Mustard – a name that she and her sisters still call me today. I’m really going to miss her!

I had an absolute blast with you today, Arlene! I hope you enjoy these and the rest of your images.

Josh

Amy Betts — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:46:29 +0000

I have known Josh for nearly 10 years. His dad hunts with Aaron and me, and our kids have always hung out during hunting season. Josh and Emma were the “big kids” of the group, so were tasked with wrangling the others and keeping them in line a lot. I cannot believe he is now graduating. It’s just too soon!

Enjoy the last few months of high school, Josh! I know you are destined for greatness!

Jessica

Amy Betts — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:08:35 +0000

Jessica is a beautiful girl inside and out. We had to reschedule several times because of weather and me being sick, and I am so glad because today was just perfect!

Enjoy your sneak, Jessica, and have a great Spring Break!