Our Couple Photo Shoot – how I felt being photographed

About being on the other side of the camera and our mini couple photo shoot in London in the snow.

I am always talking about how important I consider photography in people’s lives. About how beautiful and worthy every moment is, even the simplest ones. But a couple of days ago I realized that, ever since I started to shoot professionally, I have never had the chance of being photographed. So I couldn’t actually feel what my clients were feeling. Of course, my clients give me lots of thrilled feedback, and I know that photography really can mess with people’s lives. But it’s different from feeling on the skin.

The truth is that I photograph a lot, from everyday small things to people who are in my life. And sometimes my husband takes one or another photo of me. But I’ve never hired a photographer specifically for a couple photo shoot. Of course, I intended to do that at some point, but I was expecting some special reason for that.

Then a couple of weeks ago it snowed in London. We went outside to enjoy the snow and to take some pictures with a friend, also photographer, and her husband. She ended up taking some pictures of us as a couple and I took some pictures of them. It was super fast, much less than a real photo shoot. I have already posted their pictures on a post named Snow Couple Photoshoot.

But the result and what I felt when I saw the pictures were incredible! I saw a brightness and happiness in us that is difficult to explain. I was touched by how lucky we are for having each other. For how beautiful couple we are (yes, I think we match together). And I realized that, after almost five years that we have met for the first time, we still have the same passionate look for each other. In five years I’ve never had a picture before showing that so well (even though we had a million pictures together). That’s such a simple memory, but so powerful.

Not long ago I’d asked a friend if she thought it was worth having a wedding party. She told me it was worth it a lot. That the moments and memories of it greatly reinforced their relationship as a couple. I found such an interesting answer.

We did not have a wedding party, but I imagine the feeling is similar (maybe with other dimensions) with what I felt seeing these photos. It reminded me of how much we like each other and are happy together. Not that I did not know it and did not remember it every day, but being able to see it gives a huge dimension. It pulls you away to see with different eyes, and it’s such a beautiful point of view.

Of course, nothing would be possible without the wonderful photographer on the other side of the camera. Sharon, thank you so much for the photos! It is being such a special moment in our lives and now it is beautifully recorded.

And for the ones that, just like me, are waiting for a special moment to hire a photographer, do not do that. Now it’s special, every phase of our life is beautiful and you have no idea of the power that beautiful pictures can make in your life, in your self-esteem, in your relationship. It is a mixture of seeing, knowing and accepting.

But choose a photographer who inspires you and invests in it. It doesn’t need to be the most expensive in the world, but do not choose for the price. Choose the one that inspires you or whose work makes you think. Or just the one that feels right according to what’s important to you. And then tell me how it was? Or if you already had this experience, can you tell me what you felt? I am even more curious to know how photography can touch people’s lives.

All the photos: Sharon Eve Smith.