Why a documentary about photographer Harry Benson made me emotional

A while back I watched a documentary about photographer Harry Benson (Harry Benson | Shoot first), and the film made me quite emotional.Benson is a photographer who shoots on his own terms. While being empathetic to where a person was in their life or in the particular situation, he would take natural pictures that capture the spirit of the moment. Because he's stuck to his ways, we get to see beyond what a historic person or celebrity looked or looks like.

(The photo that struck me the most was one he took of Elizabeth Taylor at the hospital after she had brain surgery – the way he talked about her and how she let him in during such an intimate experience in her life was moving.)

I've started in my 5th year of business now, 4th with a documentary approach. Not yet at my target revenue, which would have been easier/faster to achieve if I had done more traditional directed portraits or lifestyle sessions. But as much as I'd love to pay my bills doing photography, I need to feel that the work I'm producing matters.

Moments and real life matter.

Photographs have a huge impact on how we see the world, life, other people – and ourselves. Photographs have also become such a commodity that I worry we don't appreciate them as much anymore. We don't look at them as much anymore. We don't print them as much anymore.

Could you do yourself, your kids, and your loved ones a favor? Find 10 photos on your phone or computer that are truly meaningful to you – even if they're not perfect – and get them printed.

Right now.