My grandfather once stayed up late one evening with my family and me, pulling items out of an aromatic cedar chest. Among the many collected and cherished keepsakes, which included golden locks of my late grandmother's curls from when she was a little girl, were album after album of old photographs.

Together, we went through the snapshots of his life, my grandfather reliving his encounters and untold stories. At times, he would hold a photograph as if remembering the distant feeling and mood. I could tell that some of these photos jogged faded memories of times long ago, recapturing for a second those forgotten moments.

That evening offered an appreciated glimpse into the life of a man that I grew up with, but, as I grew older, came to realize I knew very little about. To me, this is one of the most important reasons for hiring a photographer - to capture the moment, to preserve a tiny slice of our brief time on this planet, and preserve it to be relived and cherished many years down the road. Someday, when memories fade, photographs light up the darkened attics of our minds and allow us to relive that forgotten moment, feel again its importance, and remember who we were the second the shutter opened and closed.

Sadly, just a few short weeks after this late-night with Grandfather, he passed away. It was the last time I saw him. The shutter opened and closed on his life, letting the light of his soul shine through for a tiny amount of time - just 85 years. He will be missed.

My mother said she has saved his old photographs. Those memories are cherished even more now. The photographs represent moments long passed, but they continue to trigger living recollections in our hearts and minds.

To me, this is what being a photographer is all about.

Contact Eternal Forms Photography today to schedule your session and preserve your special memories. We specialize in portraits of newborns, children, families, seniors, events, weddings and more! Located in Round Rock, Texas, EFP also serves the greater Austin area.