One of the best features that distinguishes my work as a legacy photographer, with Timeless Tale by Mag, is the Legacy Visit.
And here is some background info on why I do them, how they even started and why they are so important.
First of all, the legacy visit is primarily for clients who sign up their elderly loved ones, usually over 70 years of age.
Clients come to me because they want the life stories of their senior loved ones, heard and preserved with a photo session that captures the true essence of their loved one.
But there’s a very important thing to consider ….. This type of photography isn’t just about booking a 30 minute time slot for a shoot and then calling it a wrap. It can’t work that way. That’s too fast for the type of connection that needs to be established.
In order to really allow the seniors to feel comfortable with me as a photographer and for me to really allow them to feel at ease about the shoot, they have to like, know and trust me. And that only comes with a slow process, where time is given to get to know them. That’s how the Legacy visit originated.
I love this part of the experience. We book a time to meet at their residence, and just visit, like the olden days. The visit is chill and usually goes on for a couple of hours. I get offered a drink and cookies or treats, which I also love. I ask questions, and create a casual conversation where I’m really engaging and letting them know that I care about their life story. I smile, we laugh and I show my warmth and interest. Then they usually ask about me and what I do. My latin american heritage always comes up and I tell them that I spent my childhood living in the Dominican Republic where I learned and loved how to visit with my older aunties and listen to their stories.
When I hear that their life isn’t that interesting I always let them know that it is and that it matters.
By the end of the two hours we really know each other well and I tell them about my work as a Legacy photographer. I can always see and feel the difference from the beginning of the visit to the end. They are relaxed, comfortable and ok with the upcoming shoot.
The Legacy visit is a time to connect and it benefits the senior in so many ways. It’s a valuable experience and one that isn’t easy to find these days. It’s a time with no cell phones, no interruptions and a fresh set of ears to listen to their stories. I validate them and their story.
I love the legacy visit and I think it also provides me with connection to my past, but most importantly, we all need someone to validate our story.