Photography, Life and Validation

Intro by Skip Cohen

Since its first share in 2008, this video has had almost ten-million views, but like me, I’m betting most of you never saw it. Jonny Yoshinaga found it and shared it with Suzette Allen, and she shared it will all of us on her blog. It deserves to be shared here at Marathon…and I hope you’ll pass it on.

At first, the “sappy alert sirens” went off in my head – then I was hooked. It got me thinking about what we do as an industry and the power we all have in capturing memories and creating them.

Years ago, Jeremy Cowart told me a story about a Help-Portrait session he did with three prostitutes. They’d never had their portraits done. They’d never felt respect as people, as members of the community. The short version of Jeremy’s story is that two of them were so affected by the respect he showed them, they got out of the business and took back control over their lives.

Scott Bourne once referred to photographers as the “high priests of memory protection.” Just like the video, Suzette shared below, you’re all ambassadors of life. You offer validation for each moment with every client. And, every client is trusting you to validate who they are and capture memories to last them a lifetime and more.

By Suzette Allen

So many people enjoy photography- they snap images continually on their phones and it is a fun hobby! Nothing wrong with that of course, but as a Modern-Day Historian, I feel much more passionate about my craft. Like, I think it is a significant tool with more power to encourage and impact people than most realize.

Of course, not all photographs are powerful or even well done, but some are. Before you fall victim to a very casual attitude towards photography, let’s take a look at its significance and power to change one’s perspective.

Today, my husband, Jonny, showed me this video about Validation. It’s a very well done short film on Validation, and the need we all have for it, but brings in the aspect of photography and how we come alive (and also get more beautiful) when we are treated with love or appreciated (validated) and we smile.

I love this video and want to watch it many more times. It says so much about people, hope, encouragement, perspective and life! Please take 15 minutes to watch this great little film- no matter what you do in life, but you will especially appreciate it if you are a photographer! #SuzetteSays #youaregreat #whatagreatsmileyouhave!