Almost from the very beginning of my photography career, I have identified more as an artist than a photographer.

And I know a lot of photographers say that, but I don’t mean it in the “my photos are really pretty” sense. Of course, don’t get me wrong: I truly believe photography is a trade that requires skill and a certain eye. Not just anyone can pick up a camera and say “I’m a photographer!” But here is the difference as I see it:

A photographer’s work may live in a frame in the living room or hang on bedroom walls. But a photographer’s work only stays there for a year or two before those photos are replaced by newer photos.

 

 

But an artist’s work remains. An artist’s work is printed large, is gorgeously framed, and sits in pride of place on the fireplace mantle. An artist’s work defies the passing of time and is handed down for generations.

And I’m sure at this point you’re thinking “that’s cool Madeline, but why are you spending an entire blog intro on this?” Well, recently, I had the opportunity to do a session for two sisters and this was the distinction I held in my mind throughout the entire process of creating their portraits.

 

 

I wanted to create something for their parent’s that would really tell Miss J and Miss N’s stories. I wanted their parent’s to feel like they had invested in something truly special, that would always remind them of who their little girls were and what it was like to raise them. I wanted to create something that would hang on the walls of their home forever.

And so I spoke to their mother and got to know these little girls through her eyes. I got to know their favorite colors, the obstacles they face, and the dreams they have. And I carefully handpicked the props, costumes, and locations that would share that story in a beautiful and timeless way.

 

For Miss J, her mom spoke about her artistic and creative side a lot. J is a dreamer and a goal setter and she is also joyful and kind. She has a quiet strength to her, despite (or because of) the internal struggles she often faces. And so I decided to incorporate those traits with:

  • A basket of art supplies for her artistic side
  • A miniature moon figure to speak to her lofty dreams and goals
  • A yellow dress for her joy
  • A bouquet with bluebells, to represent her kindness (and as a nod to her favorite color: blue)
  • A large oak tree, which is often used to symbolize strength grown quietly over its many years of life
  • And my very favorite: just like the tree could not live without the roots that struggle to break their way deeper and deeper into the earth, including the roots of the oak tree to represent the internal struggles she faces and that have become an integral part of who she is

 

 

Miss N is known for her spunk and confidence. Her mother described her as “loud and proud” with a firm belief that the world is hers to take. And yet, just like her sister, N has a more creative side, spending long hours in the garden and picking flowers. Because of this, I knew I needed certain elements in her portrait, like

  • A wildflower field to share her love for playing in the garden and picking flowers
  • A bouquet with fern leaves, baby’s breath, delphinium, and yellow poppies, which all symbolize her confidence
  • For good measure, a few peacock feathers to speak to her being “loud and proud”
  • And finally, a big open sky to show that the world truly is hers to take

 

Two sisters, yet two very unique personality traits. And that’s what I love so much about these sort of portrait sessions. I love that it allows me to explore symbolism and storytelling differently in each portrait in a way that really fits the story of who they are. I love that while it is a beautiful piece on the surface, just like with people, it only gets more beautiful the deeper you delve.