I still haven’t been able to answer the question and I think I never will. But more and more do I understand why photographs are so important to me, for they are my most treasured belongings. I have had to evacuate my home twice during two different occasions, in two different countries, and in both cases photographs were on top of the list to throw in the get-out bag. Pictures of both our dads who are sadly not among us anymore are hanging on our fridge as I walk past there most often and so I get a glimpse of him every day, bringing back memories of all the good times we’ve had. The first photograph that was taken of our daughter Frances and myself - a second after she was born - with a grin on my face, reminds me of the pure bliss I was feeling. The waves of Hokkaido, a scene we were looking out onto when we were wild camping in Japan will give me that sense of freedom all over again.
I might be bias, but to me photographs are everything. They are funnels to transport you back in time.
Even the pictures from times past, like Deon’s grandfather wanting to fly on his motorbike, is part of Deon’s roots and it must be from him that he got his twinkle in his eye.
So no, we don’t take it lightly that you invite us into your life, even just for one day. As we know that these photographs will live on forever, taking on a life of their own.
And if we could ask you for one thing - is that you please print you photographs.
~Reni
January 2021