Being a member of our nation's military is an extraordinary honor. Its members embody the values of our nation: courage, sacrifice, and the American way of life. Military personnel are also some of my most favorite people to photograph, because of what they represent and the importance behind their images. Here's 4 reasons to document your time in service with a Military Portrait Session:
4. You have a unique story to share
There are over 2 million active military personnel in the United State's military, and each of them have their own unique story and circumstances. For some, military service has been a family tradition spanning generations. For others, they are the first in the family to answer their nation's call. Regardless of the reason, your decision to take the oath to defend our nation is part of a unique chapter in your life, and quality portraits help document that journey and tell your story.
3. Smart Phone photos just won't cut it
You may be thinking, "well, I take plenty of pictures on my phone - why do I need a photographer?" While smart phone photos are a quick and convenient way to share what you're doing with family & friends, they lack the hardware to capture images the way a professional-grade camera can.
Even if they did, taking a proper portrait requires a good eye for composition, proper equipment, and lighting, which your average smart phone user just doesn't have. While we at Austen Hunter Photography encourage people to document their life with photos in any way they can (including taking smart phone photos), when it comes to getting an official, high-quality portrait in uniform; we recommend you leave it to the professionals. Which brings me to my next point:
2. Your family will appreciate it
Odds are that your family are your biggest supporters of your military career decision. Quality military portrait photos are a great way to show appreciation for their support and make for great holiday gifts, too! Let's be honest: mom and dad would love nothing more than to have a framed image of you in uniform. Don't underestimate how important a portrait of you can be to your family and loved ones. Getting some quality images of you in uniform, not only makes for a great gift for mom and dad, but they can also be a cherished heirloom item that your family will appreciate for years to come.
1. Your memory of this time won't last
And lastly, like with most things, the vivid memories of your military service will fade the longer you are out of uniform. The adventure, the hardships, and the friends you made along the way which you may remember so crisply now will fade given a long enough timeframe. Having professional imagery that can be framed and held onto will help keep the memories of your time in service feeling sharp, years after you hang up the uniform for good.
Whether you are new to the military or reaching the end of your time in service, anytime is a great time to commemorate this chapter of your life with a Military Portrait session. As someone who has worn the uniform himself, I'll make sure to photograph you in a way that honors you and the organization you represent. Get in touch with me today to schedule a session.
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Austen Hunter Photography is a Pensacola, Florida photographer who specializes in senior picture photography, beach photography, fashion photography, graduation photography, military portrait photography and headshot photography in bold, traditional style, from Destin and 30A Florida, to Pensacola to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama. Austen Hunter has been published internationally and is known for his bold, graphic, and clean photographic style. He uses a variety of both natural light and off-camera flash to capture images. People usually book Austen for outdoor portrait sessions or sessions conducted at his home studio.
