Not sure what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Looking for the "perfect gift?" Just looking for something easy?
For a limited time ... purchase one gift certificate, get a second gift certificate (of equal or lesser value) for HALF the price!
Contact the Studio to take advantage of this fabulous offer!
Remember rummaging through a box of old photos tucked away in your parents or grandparents’ closet? Some of us may, some may not. Those of us that do, recall this special memory of discovering forgotten treasures.
For many reasons, holding onto these tiny treasures was fascinating. Some
photo’s were faded away, others had the serrated edges that I personally recall rubbing my fingers across as I turned the photo treasure over revealing my parents distinctive handwriting; confirming the details of the special event, time, and place.
Take a moment to visualize these sepia tone prints, or perhaps your parents’ hand-painted wedding photo from the 1930’s suggesting the introduction of color where, for so long there was none. With your imagination sparked, the questions begin. “How did anyone dress like that?”, or recalling the doll, hat or whatever object, we were holding during that moment in time the photo was taken. The clothes, hairstyles, cars and scenery were all intriguing, and they still are! The purpose of recording a legacy portrait is to record, remember, and share. Today all of these memories are present, waiting for you to record. That box in the corner of our closet, still reaches out to us from time to time filled with these captured memories from the past, helping us clearly remember all the good times and how far we have come.
This instance was particularly true for me this year. The box of old photographs was resurfaced during the time my mother had passed. Whether I was ready or not, this box of treasures helped me realize that keeping these memories alive for my children, family, and generations to come was my honor to my mother, as her child, and a photographer.
For the last several years of my mothers’ life, she was unable to speak to me. We, as a family, made a ninety-minute trip to see her several times a month. We continued to celebrate holidays and birthdays with her. Occasionally, I photographed these events and in particular, my mom and myself, my children, pets, and extended family whenever the opportunity arose.
When it came time to produce the legacy of her memory in photographs, I was thankful I had the prints and files to produce a book about her.
Assembling the memories of our lives or those we love so much is important. Important seems not to be a strong enough sentiment, perhaps imperative, is more appropriate, necessary, and/ or required. It is not a burden, but a privilege. Time slips by and we often forget that getting the family together for a portrait is just that, a privilege.
Certainly, you can snap a photo on your phone or digital camera. That’s the simple part, but what are you really doing with that photo? So many digital pictures, so many files, are you taking the time to organize, and take it one step further so that the photos become useful to your family legacy?
Legacy portraiture is defined as the gift of property (photographs) to be handed down. Creating the legacy portrait is probably one of the most important photographs I produce. To begin planning for such a portrait, I conduct an interview with the person establishing contact with me. I discover and learn about the family which allows me to determine what will best represent them photographically in style and place.
Specifically, my goal is to determine whether it is appropriate to photograph them in their house, my studio, or at their favorite location that represents a cherished family activity. What will they wear? How many generations can we include and represent? All of these decisions factor into creating the unique photographic memory that will best represent them through a combination of their style and my ideas.
My job, (my pleasure) is to produce a beautiful photograph that is the culmination of all of the above to make a lasting memory.
As you read this we are well into the fall season, children are back to school or off to college. Maybe you are an “empty nester” as I am. Soon, the holidays will be approaching and once again, we are presented with the wonderful privilege and opportunity of being together as families. Sometimes the preparations are enough to make us want the holiday season to be over, but I challenge you to look at the opportunity in front of you.
Approach this season with some of the following thoughts:
How many of us will be together?
Can we travel to include even more of the family than we did last year?
Could we bring all of us together for a family portrait?
Will the kids be away next year at this time?
Is someone elderly or sick in the family?
I can think of no better gift than the memory a photograph creates.
So whether you photograph your family yourself, or hire a professional photographer to help turn your family legacy portrait into a reality, just seize the opportunity to make it happen soon!
Legacy portraiture is a personal history documenting your family. We all leave a “unique footprint’ on earth and our portrait should show this uniqueness for generations to come. Look at the creation of this portrait as an opportunity to show the world your family!
The experience is priceless!
Sally will be a vendor at the Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital Paws in the Park event on Saturday, 9/24 from 1-5pm at Macungie Memorial Park.
Come and join us for a day of fun events in the park!
Everyone is welcome to attend with their well behaved pets.
There will be music, food, raffles, demonstrations and activities for all!
Featuring many vendors, including Sally Ullman Photography, who all love to serve our furry friends!
Demonstrations by: Lehigh Valley Dream Weaver Agility Club and Cold Nose Lodge Canine Dancing.
All proceeds will go to the Gress Mountain Ranch and Pocono Wildlife.
Miller Memorial Blood Bank will be attending with the Blood Mobile. If you would like to donate blood, appointments can be made by calling the animal hospital at 610-837-6188. Walk-ins are also welcome!
For more information you can visit www.lvah.com.
Pet Portrait Month
On site is an indoor and outdoor studio - three acre wooded property with a small pond, beautiful gardens and serene alcoves. Located on top of South Mountain in Emmaus, Pa., the outdoor studio creates a very natural, relaxing environment.
