Inside the Mind of a Seattle Photographer: Why I Do What I Do

Inside the Mind of a Seattle Photographer: Why I Do What I Do

I’ve always felt that you can learn a lot about someone by how they choose to spend their time - you can learn what makes them happy, what is most important to them, and what motivates them. In my case, I think that’s true of my profession, too. As I get to know my clients, many of them ask me why I do what I do, so I’ve dedicated this blog to answering that question.

Creating Treasured Memories for Local Families

As passionate as I am about photography, the most important title I hold is “mom.” I’m a proud mother to three beautiful kids, and it’s these kids that are a large part of the reason I became a family photographer. As I built my family and watched my babies grow up before my eyes, witnessing how every little stage of your child’s life can end overnight, I recognized with a new clarity how meaningful family portraits are. I know how much I treasure the pictures I have of my kids and I want to give that joy to other families.

This is especially the case for portraits of the whole family. Moms in particular, I know you love snapping pictures of your kids on a daily basis, but you aren’t in those photos! I believe every family deserves to have portraits of the entire family together, capturing the genuine joy between all of you, and I’m on a mission to bring that to parents and kids throughout the Seattle area.

My grandmother during her college years. Her sister told me she did this on a dare.

Telling Families’ Stories

While I’ve always found it meaningful to capture family memories in photos, I had a truly special experience more recently that made me recognize the importance of photography even more. When my grandmother recently passed away, I joined my family to look through some of her old photos, and this allowed me to see a whole new side of this woman I had always known.

We stumbled upon some photos of her and my grandfather from their honeymoon. There were only a few, but they spoke volumes. I saw my grandparents as a youthful, fun-loving couple who couldn’t wait to embark on the adventure of life together. As much as I had loved my grandmother, I had never seen this side of her. I found myself feeling closer to my grandmother than I ever had, even though she had passed away, because I was able to get to know a side of her from decades before I was born.

Photos of your family might seem beautiful now, but they will mean so much more to your kids and grandkids in the decades to come. They are truly a legacy that allows your family to feel a bond across generations in a one-of-a-kind way. I want every family to have the privilege of that legacy.

Making Your Own Memories and Heirlooms

Photography will always hold a special place in my heart, and I would be honored to help your family create your own treasured portraits you can enjoy for generations to come. If you want a Seattle photographer who is as dedicated to your portraits as you are, contact Jaimié Birtel Photography and let’s book a session.