Everyone Deserves to Be Remembered - A Case for a Photo Session
Memento Vivi
Everyone deserves to have a professional photo session. Everyone deserves to be immortalised in time.
I am not referring to a quick snapshot taken with a mobile phone. I am talking about photographs created by someone who has intentionally taken the time to capture you at your best. There is a difference between taking a picture and creating a photograph that tells a story.
[Below: Photo session with Julie]
Why do I believe this?
Because time passes far more quickly than we realise. A professional photo session captures a version of you that will never exist again. Our bodies change, our style evolves, our children grow up, and the seasons of our lives quietly pass by. A photograph preserves a moment that can never be recreated in exactly the same way.
There is another point that I believe is important. Professional photography is for everyone, regardless of age or gender. In my experience, it is usually the women who arrange a family photo session. They are often the ones who recognise the importance of preserving memories. The men, on the other hand, sometimes arrive reluctantly. At the beginning of the session, they may appear uncomfortable, serious, or even slightly irritated.
Then something interesting happens. Once they realise that I am not there to make their lives difficult or force unnatural poses, they begin to relax. They laugh more easily, interact naturally with their family, and before long, the camera almost disappears. In fact, there have been many occasions when it was the men themselves who started suggesting ideas for different photographs before the session ended. That transformation is one of the parts of my work that I enjoy the most.
[Below: Photo session with Lucy]
Finally, I would like to end this reflection with a simple suggestion.
Print your photographs.
Do not leave your memories hidden away on a mobile phone or computer. Choose the photographs that mean the most to you and display them in your home. Our homes are often filled with objects that reflect our tastes and interests, yet few of them tell our story as powerfully as photographs of the people we love. Those images remind us not only of who we are, but also of the relationships and moments that have shaped our lives.
In our own home, we have created what we call our family memory room. It is filled with framed photographs collected throughout the years. Every image reminds us of a different chapter of our lives. It is also the room where I keep my elliptical trainer. While exercising, I often find myself looking from one photograph to another. Without even realising it, my thoughts drift back to those moments. Each frame unlocks a memory, a feeling, or a conversation that might otherwise have faded with time.
That, to me, is the true value of photography. It is not simply about taking pictures. It is about preserving a moment that time can never give back. That is why I believe everyone deserves to have a professional photo session.
Reflective Questions:
If you could preserve just one season of your life in photographs, which season would it be, and why?
When was the last time you looked at an old photograph and found yourself reliving a memory you thought you had forgotten?
[Below: Photo session with Sarah]
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this reflection, consider subscribing for future posts exploring photography, life, and the stories behind the moments we often take for granted.
About the Author
Sergio Morana is a photographer, writer, and educator based in Malta. Through photography and writing, he explores life’s meaningful moments, personal growth, and the stories that connect us.
📷 Photography: Holy Communions • Confirmations • Portraits • Family Sessions • Events