Photographs represent a remarkable legacy. They capture moments from the lives of relatives we’ve heard about but never met, or they reveal the faces of those who shaped history: artists, politicians and heroes. Without pictures, facts are remembered differently. For us photographers, this is a significant responsibility; the portraits we take help define how others perceive our subjects. This is part of the legacy we leave behind—no small matter.
A portrait can capture a facet of a person at a particular moment in time. In the words of Andy Warhol, “The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” A photograph can also encapsulate the essence of a story, revealing nuances that may inspire others long after the moment has passed. Viewers might recognize something familiar or, conversely, feel compelled to explore those images precisely because they have never experienced what is depicted. These photographs will continue to have an impact on viewers.
Diane Arbus once said, “I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” This is the power of photography. It’s nice when our images inspire or touch someone. And they don’t have to be masterpieces to achieve that. For instance, you might not pay much attention to snapshots and personal pictures when you take them, but over time they can gain significant value—especially if they document a special moment or portray a loved one who is no longer with us.
The same profound impact can occur with professional photos. “This is beautiful,” someone I recently photographed for a book told me, “it really shows a side of me that I’d like to be remembered for. I want it on my gravestone.” This comment gave me goosebumps. Little did I know that she was battling a serious illness and expected to leave this world soon.
Commercial pictures—those taken for fashion and advertising—are often perceived as cool when new, but when they age, they tend to lose value because they begin to look outdated or out of fashion. The magic occurs when they become much older and regain value as they bear witness to an era. They document fashions and manners that no longer exist or, even more interestingly, suggest how past trends have developed into what we experience today. So, be mindful of that seemingly boring campaign, which may one day find its place in museums to illustrate today’s society.
Images from legendary photographers can be admired in museums and exhibitions. These photographs have managed to become iconic, carrying with them rich stories and interpretations. However, in an age where an average of 14 billion images are shared daily on social media, few photographs manage to achieve historical significance. This immense volume of pictures—many of which are anonymous or used without permission—creates a form of collective legacy, serving as a vast repository of information, much of which is also used to feed artificial intelligence.
Images are not necessarily the only legacy a photographer leaves behind. When we photograph someone and truly listen to them, valuing their presence and striving to capture their uniqueness, we are doing more than simply being kind; we are contributing to shaping their experience and influencing their mood. This, in turn, can affect how they treat others—a true ripple effect.
Something similar occurs when our photographs inspire the viewers. This often happens when an image evokes certain feelings. Of course, not everyone responds to pictures in the same way, and this unpredictability is part of the beauty of photography—and of human beings, too.
Talking about inspiration, the idea of writing this article surfaced after my interview with the podcast A Legacy That Is Beyond Us, where I realized that my photographs might not necessarily be the most significant legacy I leave behind. I often think of the people who write to me—whether days or even years after attending one of my workshops or retreats—sharing how important those experiences have been for them. Hundreds of students have left my retreats with big smiles in their hearts and I believe this is an important part of my legacy as well.
After all, all our interactions can leave a mark, even if we don’t intend for them to. Recently, I was contacted on Facebook by someone I met about 35 years ago; we had completely lost touch since then. He was the assistant of a friend and wrote to me that I inspired him to pursue his current path. Who could have imagined that?
That episode made me reflect on how we embody the legacy of everyone we meet in life—those who have inspired, encouraged or challenged us. They had an impact on us and we had an impact on them. Oftentimes without being aware of it.
In light of these considerations, what legacy do we want to leave behind? What kind of impact do we wish to have on the lives of others through our pictures and our manners?