A way to slow down time, or at least replay and share it with clarity.
We at The Relishers asked Pittsburgh family filmmaker and photographer, Danielle Blewitt, to tell us more about what she does, why she does it, and what she is up to during the stay-home order. Her work is beautiful and speaks for itself, but it's also great to hear straight from Danielle. She is passionate and talented, and we hope you enjoy discovering more about this invaluable way to savor time. Plus, you will want to check out her blog for great tips on DIY photography projects and how to style your family for photo and video shoots.
(Family photo by Danielle Blewitt; corresponding family film sample below. )
It’s amazing how fast a memory can fade. As a mom of two, I so desperately want to slow down time and savor every moment I have with my children. I wish I could file each detail of life as we know it into my permanent memory. Sadly, I know that so many things happening now that will likely fade in my memory. Photography and filmmaking have given me a way to capture some of my most cherished moments and preserve them in time.
As a family photographer and filmmaker, I am passionate about helping families slow down and record the memories most meaningful to them. Family Films are fairly new but growing in popularity around the world.
Unlike a photograph, a family film can record a moment in vivid color, full sound, and in motion. It becomes a memory that you can feel.
What is a Family Film?
A Family Film is a tangible way to preserve your memories. There are many ways films can be used to document a family’s story. Whether it’s welcoming a new baby, recording a special milestone or simply capturing the beauty of everyday life, family films are a powerful way to document life and record memories.
I often ask families to think about the things in their life that are happening now, that they never want to forget. For myself, it’s the little things that mean so much and I know I will miss dearly one day–
The sound of my children’s voices.
The way they still snuggle up with me before bed.
The sound of their sweet laughter and little giggles.
The routines that are happening now that will one day change, such as making pancakes on Saturday morning or reading books before bedtime.
I encourage families think about what they want to remember most and what is most meaningful to them. From there, we are able to create a beautiful keepsake film that tells their unique story. Once filming and editing are complete, the family receives a highlight reel that captures their unique story in a 3-5 minute film. Here is a sample of one family's "day in the life" film.
A Gift for My Children
Someone once told me that I would regret having too many photos but I couldn’t disagree more. Personally, so much of my childhood memories have been shaped by the photos and videos I’ve seen. I document life in photos and videos so that my children will never doubt how much they were loved. I want them to remember a childhood full of laughter and adventure. I want them to appreciate the small stuff just as much as the big moments. This is why family films are so important to me and I truly, truly feel that every family needs to have them.
Life is too short. It doesn’t take long for days to turn into years and before we know it, our most cherished moments will be only a memory.
A Collaboration Project: Documenting Life in Quarantine
With the recent onset on the pandemic, I have been inspired to do a collaboration project to document life as we know it in quarantine. Our new normal is “socially distant” but somehow more united. I have asked families near and far to send me video clips of their time at home. I am putting together a video that will tell a story of what life looked like, the good, the sad, and the uncertain. I want to capture the feeling of the effects of this pandemic through a film. More than anything, this film will highlight a beautiful silver lining that has resulted: genuine, uninterrupted family time. It will show a life that has been slowed down and a new normal that is more family-centered. Life may look a little different, and although we are farther apart, we are all in this together. To view the project when it's complete, follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Vimeo, or visit my website soon.
(Self portrait by Danielle Blewitt)
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