Blog
When to Use a Photographer
HOW TO KNOW WHAT'S WORTH CAPTURING
When I’m taking someone’s picture and I’m coaching them through their self-consciousness, coaxing out their personality, and holding space for their expression, what I’m really on a mission to do, is provide an end result that I know they’re going to want later. I know their partners, kids, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren will want it. Their best friends and closest family members will want it as well. In your moment of doubt, I know something you might not; you’re going to want this. This photo. This memory and likeness of you; how your eyes sparkle, the way you tip your head. An ordinary snapshot of this moment in time. The essence of your spirit captured so you can remind yourself, and those who love you, who you really are.
THE MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY BROKE MY HEART WIDE OPEN
I’ve had a camera in my hand since the age of seven. But the moment I knew photography was important in a way that went beyond pleasant memories, was at my grandmother’s funeral. When we walked into the church, there were tables filled with physical photos of her throughout the years for all of us to look at and in that moment, I realized that’s all we had left of her to hold besides the lessons and lineage she had given us along the way. Photos are a tangible comfort. I knew taking photos would be a part of my life forever, because at the end of hers, it was one of the most treasured items we could ask for. I never want anyone to stand in the memory of someone they love without a photo to hold.
WHEN ARE WE GOOD ENOUGH TO HAVE OUR PICTURE TAKEN?
It’s so easy to think that our normal day, with normal hair, and normal clothes, and a normal messy house is nothing much to remember. It never seems like the right time to get our photo taken, or we haven’t lost the weight yet, or the kids are just so hard to get to cooperate, or we don’t know who to ask. I’m here to tell you, your ‘normal’ is good enough to capture and remember. There’s nothing you need to become for it to be okay for your photo to be taken; you don’t have to look a certain way, have a certain job, or finally live in that dream house you never thought you’d have. Having the courage to say, “this is my life and I’m living it, I want to see and remember where I was at, and what I was going through, no matter what,” is a positive step in the direction of loving yourself, being brave, making time for yourself, and knowing you’re worthy of being remembered – even if it’s just you looking back at the photos of yourself in six months, and seeing how far you’ve come.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
When I’m asked what I love about photography, it’s this: I love the ability to anticipate the fact that I know you’re going to need these photos some day – outside of social media or Christmas cards. Your family will need them, your friends will need them, and with my deepest love and gratitude, I will show up to take your sacred photo so you can share them with those you love. When you’re ready, I’m here.
MEET PINION PROCESS
HOLLY SHYRER
OWNER & CREATIVE OF PINION PROCESS
With a BFA in graphic design and over a decade in the photography and design industry, Holly Shyrer created Pinion Process to provide photography and design in a new way. Holly understands how intimidating it can be to have your photo taken or ask for branding advice; she helps guide as you explore your brand, body image, self expression, or portray your lifestyle. In essence, she holds space and provides expertise for people and brands to explore, express, discover and capture their truth. Holly approaches photoshoots and branding sessions in a way that helps clients feel comfortable, expressive, and important as they walk a path uniquely their own.