The Cotton chapter on intimate portraits and family photography highlighted one point that really stuck out to me, reflecting on the difference of emotion in artistic and personal photography, with art often exploring sadness, depression, etc. while family photography always aims to capture everyone smiling, regardless of the occasion. Immediately I was reminded of various photos of my family that have been taken at funerals, which is really the only time we all reconvene. The particular photo I have on hand was not taken at a family funeral, but at my great uncle’s birthday party during the height of his sickness. The idea was to throw him one last birthday party, so despite being a party, it was a rather depressing one. When this photo came out, it was a sort of “Kodak moment” even though it represents a very difficult time for that side of the family, with Uncle Don (on the right) celebrating what would be his last birthday, my second cousin (on the left, with her daughter) going through a divorce and custody battle, etc. Nevertheless, both of Uncle Don’s daughters are in it, their daughters are all together, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
Photos from the party that adhere to more of the “artistic” standard rather than the personal show less of that Kodak type of emotion. This photo I took of my cousin (second cousin once removed, I think?) pictures her not smiling, glancing back at her mother who is only partially present in the image, and her cousins, who are also cut off. As a family photo, it might not make the album, but it was decent enough for me to upload to Flickr…
Two great photographs, especially the top one – what’s so fascinating about this is that it suggests that your interest in mirrors spills out into compositions more generally – even if there’s no *actual* mirror here – the identical flowery dresses, the two women holding children, the two gesticulating men – there’s got to be more to be said about family habits of repetition and difference here!!