How Capturing a Remarkable Moment in Time Connects and Inspires
By: Sarah Seweryniak
Tags: Purpose, Photography Tips, Inspiration, Photography, Life

Photograph courtesy of Under the Old Willow Photography

How Capturing a Remarkable Moment in Time Connects and Inspires with Kristin Schlenker, Owner, and Photographer of Under the Old Willow Photography

For as long as Western New York Photographer Kristin Schlenker can remember something would catch her eye and she would be inspired.

When she brought home her youngest child from the hospital in 2010 should felt such joy capturing this special moment in time with her family. She couldn’t put her camera down and she wanted to share her passion.

One spark of inspiration gave way to an opportunity to take photographs for others and in 2011 Under the Old Willow Photography was born. “I posted pictures of my kids on social like many other proud families do. My inbox started getting full with people saying, ‘Would you mind taking a few shots of my baby or family?’ I thought, no problem. This will be kind of cool little hobby and then it just snowballed.”

Photography connects us to our life story

A photograph captures a moment in time, which is important when connecting to our life story.

“It’s rewarding to be there for each milestone, whether it’s an engagement, wedding, maternity or newborn,” said Schlenker. “Each milestone is a special point in everybody’s life, and to be a part of that and capture that is such a special thing for me. I don’t even feel like it’s my job. It’s my passion.”

A photographer becomes an extension of the family creating inspirational images that beautifully reflect our life in review.

Helping ease photographing anxiety

Many people are not fond of having their photograph taken, which can cause anxiety.

For Schlenker, she opts to keep things as comfortable as possible and really enjoys capturing candid shots of families. “For my sessions, I like to keep it relaxed and have a conversation. Candids are my favorite and you don’t have to be looking at the camera. You’re having special moments with your child, husband, or family. Those are the moments I look forward to capturing. That helps the nerves a little bit.”

Let the moment tell the story

It’s important to rely on the personality of those you are photographing to help let the moment tell the story. “I want to portray them as they are in their life,” said Schlenker. “Whether it’s the first year, second year, or third year I want to show where they are at that point in their life because it will be different the next time I see them. They’ll be in a different chapter in their life. It’s important to have families just be themselves and show me who they are. That helps me tell the story.”

Lighting is key to helping tell the story and for Schlenker, her favorite lighting conditions to photograph in is “Golden Hour,” a period of daytime light just before sunset where the sky has a beautiful golden hue.

A close second would be a dark and stormy overcast sky, which Schlenker says helps tell a different story and she always encourages families to keep their sessions if they’re concerned about the weather.

Advice for aspiring photographers

Many aspiring photographers tend to think that to be the best, you have to have the best. There’s always been a debate — Nikon or Cannon.

For Schlenker, there is no debate. Equipment is not the most important thing a photographer should worry about. “I think your number one photography tool is light. It’s the most important thing. How it’s hitting your subject, where it’s coming from. That’s the most important thing.”

A good photographer is a storyteller. “For me, it’s not about equipment. It’s about light and what you’re trying to portray in your pictures.”