What is a "Video Portrait"?
It can be a - one-time Historic Interview reflecting on one's life stories
- series of Milestone Interviews
- Narrated Collection of Film/Video Clips and Photos
Most of my clients have been older, "seasoned" adults, the senior members of their families. Their lives are rich with reflections of historic events, amazing stories and personal celebrations. As they tell me their stories, I often wish I could edit in segues of them from when they were younger.
Imagine watching movies of your great-grandparents, favorite aunts, uncles or elder friends when they were in their teens. Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear them answering meaningful questions and reflecting on their life up to that point. Imagine each subsequent chapter of that movie: reflecting on their most recent years as they experienced history, dealt with challenges, shared the joys of each new birth… Photos may be worth thousands of words, but now add their voices, expressions and characteristic movements… What an heirloom.
The “seasoned” interviews are wonderful. But imagine having both!
What a beautiful wedding gift: Individual interviews of both partners regarding their lives up to the point of their commitment. Then, interview them together about their first meeting, their engagement and marriage. Yearly or milestone updates could be added. What a collection of memories that could be for future generations!
Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the unique voice, mannerisms, and stories of your loved-one… or YOU! Tell your heirs about your life history and your dreams for them. Share stories about your children when they were young. Demonstrate skills, hobbies, crafts or recipes. Most of you have been captured in film or video - smiling at birthday parties, graduations or weddings. But how many of you have taken the time to record your own voice? Leave something memorable for your own family and friends. Imagine how much you would cherish finding a recording left by someone you loved who has already passed on...
One of my favorite clips is of my mother teaching my then-young daughter how to bake an apple pie. Their voices frozen in time, close-ups of their hands working together, all priceless!!!
Although I have videotaped weddings, anniversaries and reunions, the real treasures are the clips that capture people's voices. Test it yourself. Find an old home movie and play it with the volume turned OFF. Surely it will make you smile. But then play it again with the volume turned up - and keep your eyes closed. Now feel your HEART smile as you recognize people and their voices strum your heartstrings!
Leave the gift of your voice: telling family tales, reciting meaningful poems, sharing favorite jokes, laughing, and, don't forget, singing old songs and lullabies - don't worry about carrying a tune!
We never know what tomorrow will bring... Record some memories soon.
Get started by reviewing the links below:
Home Services Portraits Documentation Professional Tools Kids Contact
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