Photographer’s are a funny bunch – for people who always have a camera in-hand, who are always taking photos of the people around them, we tend to have very few shots of the people we care about most.

Specifically, we have very few MEANINGFUL shots of the people we love.  Oh, we all have a few hundred unsorted snapshots from Christmas and birthdays and the 4th of July – but how many meaningful, well-made, emotional portraits do you have?

I know that I don’t have nearly enough.  In my time as a photographer, I have taken exactly one meaningful shot of my mother (which I mentioned in my Valentine’s Day portrait post).  I have one meaningful shot of my girlfriend, and one of my best friend, both of which are candids taken almost by accident.  I don’t have a single meaningful shot of my father or my brother.  Nor of my grandparents.

This doesn’t seem right to me.  I’ve spent countless hours around these people with a camera.  I’ve had them in the same room as my studio setup.  I’ve even practiced lighting techniques on them while they’ve been doing homework or paying bills – so why in the world haven’t I ever asked them to take 15 minutes for a really nice portrait?

I don’t really know the answer to that.  I have plenty of excuses, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’ve missed opportunities.

I bring this up because twice now I’ve read posts by other photographers who have waited to take portraits of their loved ones, and ended up waiting too long.

Check out Zach Arias’ thoughts on the subject, and the portraits that it spurred him into making.  I’ve mentioned Zach before; he’s an excellent photographer and keeps up a great blog that covers everything from the technicals to ideas like this.

And definitely check out Days with My Father, a photo essay by Philip Toledano about his aging father, who no longer has a short term memory.  It’s an emotional set of images, and one of the best photo essays I’ve yet seen.

MAKE PORTRAITS OF THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.  Make them in window light of the person’s favorite room; make them outside at their favorite spot; make them in the studio against a backdrop.  Whatever you do, just make the portraits while you still have the opportunity.

I know I will.