Embracing Tradition in the Digital Age
In the not-so-distant past, formal family studio photography was integral to capturing cherished memories and significant moments in people’s lives. For years, people visited studios for elegant family portraits with draped backdrops to capture precious moments.
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Technology and photography trends changed, causing the formal family portrait studio to decline. Casual, spontaneous styles became popular. We’ll explore the fate of the family photography studio and its preservation at Idaho Photography Studios in Boise, Caldwell, Meridian, and Nampa, Idaho.
The Rise and Decline of Formal Studio Photography
Formal family photography peaked from the late 19th to the 20th century, featuring controlled settings, poses, and detail. During this time, family studio photographers utilized large format cameras and carefully crafted lighting setups to produce exquisite family portraits. Families dressed elegantly with props and backdrops, capturing a timeless and dignified image.
As photography technology advanced, particularly with the introduction of smaller and more portable cameras, informal and candid photography gained popularity. The ability to capture life’s spontaneous moments drew people away from the confines of formal family studio settings.
Digital photography, with its auto-focusing and auto-exposure features, enables instant and casual life documentation, bypassing professional studios.
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In the early 2000s, formal family studio photography declined due to consumer preference shifting to casual, lifestyle-oriented imagery, meeting the hustle and bustle of the “on-demand” society. Candid shots, often taken outdoors or in natural environments, dominated social media feeds and family albums. As a result, many traditional formal family studios faced challenges in staying relevant and profitable. As a result, many of today’s talented and gifted photographers were faced with closing their family studio and replacing their offerings with outdoor portraits, less formality, and a more journalistic approach to the family portrait. This style of photography is often referred to as Lifestyle Photography, a genre of photography that focuses on casual snapshots of families interacting with each other.
The Impact of Cell Phones on Formal Family Studios
The digital revolution drastically transformed the photography landscape, ushering in a new era of convenience and accessibility. Digital cameras replaced film-based ones, with built-in autofocusing and auto-exposure capabilities. Over time, a photograph that was properly focused and exposed was “good enough” for the average consumer.
The first cell phone with a built-in camera was manufactured by Samsung and released in South Korea in June 2000. This groundbreaking device, known as the SCH-V200, featured a 1.5-inch TFT-LCD screen and a built-in digital camera capable of taking 20 photos at a resolution of 350,000 pixels (equivalent to 0.35 megapixels). However, to retrieve your photos, you had to connect the phone to a computer.
Shortly after, in November 2000, Sharp released the J-SH04 camera phone in Japan through J-Phone (now SoftBank Mobile). The J-SH04 allowed users to send photos electronically, setting it apart from the Samsung SCH-V200. The J-SH04 could capture photos at a resolution of 110,000 pixels (0.11 megapixels) and was a significant step forward in camera phone technology.
Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) enabled instant photo sharing, encouraging candid and informal photography.
In response to these changes, many formal family studios attempted to adapt by offering digital services and on-location shoots. However, the shift in consumer behavior proved to be a substantial hurdle for many established studios. Smartphone photography with filters lets people mimic studio effects, reducing the appeal of formal family sessions.
The Fall of the Formal Family Studio Photographer
The rise of informal photography, particularly photographers who advertise Lifestyle Photography, has overshadowed formal studio portraits. Today, anyone with a decent camera, a computer, and a photo editing software program, will call themselves a professional photographer. All that is required is to follow a family around a local park and take snapshots of their interactions.
Because Lifestyle Photography is marketed as “capturing families in unposed photographs”, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong. In reality, Lifestyle Photographers are simply taking photographs of families that want to include all the family members (versus mom or dad not being in the picture). The photographers advertise 80-120 proofs in a 1-hour session.
80-120 Proofs from a 1-hour Family Portrait Session
Many Lifestyle Photographers boast of providing over 80 frames or proofs to choose from in a 1-hour photo session. To accomplish this, they must take .02 frames per second. Let that sink in. This means from the moment you meet to the minute your hour is up, the photographer is capturing .02 frames a second.
In simple terms: The photographer is pressing and holding the shutter button the entire time of your session.
In other words, they are producing an old-time movie of you and your family; capturing .02 frames a second. They will then edit the frames, choose the ones they like, and present them for selection. If these are the results you seek, hire a videographer. You will receive up to 24 frames per second to choose from.
Why “Portrait” Photographers Rate on Google
Some photography enthusiasts and clients began to appreciate standard studio photography’s timeless elegance and saw life’s special moments needed a dedicated studio with artistry and attention to detail.
One studio that remained steadfast in its commitment to formal portrait photography is Idaho Photography Studios. Located in Boise, Idaho, they have proudly served the surrounding communities of Caldwell, Meridian, and Nampa for over three decades. Idaho Photography Studios, founded by passionate photographers who respect the craft, preserves formal studio portraits.
Embracing Tradition at Idaho Photography Studios
Idaho Photography Studios offers the best of both worlds: formal studio photography with digital convenience. They capture meaningful moments with beauty and emotion.
The studio excels in curated backdrops and expert lighting, creating a relaxing environment for clients. This allows photographers to capture genuine emotions. At Idaho Photography Studios, formal sessions offer a chance to savor professional photography gracefully and timelessly. Cherished images for generations.
Conclusion – Evolution of Idaho Formal Studio Photography
Formal studio portraits have experienced both rise and decline in the ever-changing world of photography. As the popularity of informal and candid styles grew, many traditional studios faced challenges in staying relevant. However, formal studio photography has an enduring charm and significance that continues to appeal to a population segment.
Idaho Photography Studios proves formal portrait photography’s timeless appeal with passion, dedication, and cherished memories. Serving Boise, Caldwell, Meridian, and Nampa, they celebrate traditional beauty amid the digital era.
Formal studio photography, an artistic and elegant approach, complements informal styles. Embracing tradition amidst a fast-paced world helps preserve life’s precious moments with lasting mementos.
Contact Us
Capture Life’s Treasured Moments with Idaho Photography Studios. We understand that some moments are too precious to leave to chance in today’s world of instant snapshots. We specialize in Family Portraits, ensuring you receive the best when preserving your family’s most cherished memories.
Contact us today to schedule your session and immortalize the love and joy your family shares for generations to come. Please use the form below or call us at 208-760-6464.