Philosophizin’ :: What Are “Whimsically Stylish” and “Heartfelt”?
What are those words really conveying and what the heck do they hafta do with photography?
Why are they parts of Juxtapose Photography’s tagline?
WHIMSICALLY STYLISH AND HEARTFELT…ALL IN THE SAME INSTANCE.
Yesterday, my photographer friends who belong to the Foundation Workshop Forum were discussing the word “whimsical” and its current popularity among wedding vendors. I chimed in with my own opinions and then later realized that I hadn’t really talked about it very much here on my own blog. Just thought I would take the time to share my reflections with my favorite readers.
Here’s what I wrote:
To ME, whimsy means being footloose and fancy-free. Not stuffy. To me, it involves spontaneity. To say that one is Whimsically Stylish, I think of that type of person who rolls outa bed and throws on a garment/accessory that puts a spring in their step. Does it match? Not necessarily, at least not directly. Does it make their heart sing? Hell yes.
When applying it to weddings (again…MY own definition), I think of couples who are shackle-free. No power-wielding, overbearing family members to weigh everything down, no “have-to’s” or out-dated shotlists, just whatever makes the day memorable and FUN for that couple. Whimsy in its purest form holds true to the authenticity of the couple. The products of pure whimsy are not manufactured to be seen on those uber-popular wedding blogs or in a magazine, but are really there to represent the couple and their personalities and interests. (This can also be applied to photography not done at weddings, like my baby portraits, senior portraits, and pretty much anything involving people!)
When whimsy is insincere or not representative of the couple or even family who is being photographed, it is the furthest thing from “Heartfelt”. I try to stay away from that kind of thing, and am incredibly lucky to have clients who are not only in love but who have strong emotional connections and are able to be vulnerable enough to show them on camera. My clients are the FULL MEAL DEAL, and I love them to pieces!
OK…off of my soapbox now!
I’ll leave you with the most whimsically stylish and heartfelt kid I know. Talk about representin’.
Have a wonderfully whimsical weekend!
Kate, you embody your philosophy! And…Mills, you da most!!
Love, Pa and GranLyn