Touching the lives of ordinary people

A very touching story comes once in a while to make us reflect on the values of life and how we make a difference in this world. These differences may be little to some, but to others they make a world of difference. Photography in my opinion is the most powerful medium that man has ever invented! Not only does it stop time but it makes us reflect on past events that have faded with time.

A couple months ago I received a call from a woman to book a photo shoot. She wanted to have a portrait of herself; not any portrait, but a portrait that would be her last! The woman is from out of town, about 90 minutes from Ottawa. I gave her our address and began giving her driving instructions. She politely declined the instructions saying she would take the train to Ottawa and take a cab to my studio. This trip may seem a little excessive to some but to me, I was touched by her faithful determination to get to my studio. You see, Mary was a former client, in an indirect fashion that is. 16 years ago I photographed her daughter's wedding in a small Ottawa valley town. The entire family were a pleasure and a privilege for me to have worked with. Down to earth and very grateful and appreciative for everything life had to offer. A family of christian faith who never took anything for granted and were very appreciative for all the family portraits I was shooting on that day.

Upon her arrival, I greeted Mary and we sat down to talk for a little while. I wanted her to be as relax as she could be for the photo shoot. I was curious and asked her considering her health condition, why did she choose to come to Ottawa, to my studio to have her portrait done? She gave me the raised eyebrow look and snapped "Because you made us all look so good Mario, why would I go anywhere else"? She continued: "This obviously is going to be my last portrait because of my cancer and I wouldn't even have considered having someone else do my portrait". She then stood up rubbing her hands together and said "Let's do this" in a cheerful manner. I was speechless for a moment because I was so touched by what I had just heard! At 81 years of age, a disease that would take her life within a month or two but her spirit was amazingly witty and cheerful!

The photo shoot went very well, we laughed and had fun. We would stop after a few exposures and talk about family and events. After 25 or 30 exposures I was confident I had at least 10 very good shots that reflected her true spirit and personality. We then came into my office to download the shoot on the computer. While the photos were downloading, she commented how impressed she was with modern technology. When she finally saw the results she deadpanned "You see, this is why I insisted on coming here, I knew you'd make me look like the jewel that I am"!

Mary was overwhelmed with the results and ordered a 11X14 and a dozen 8X10's for her children and grand children. I was able to print everything while she waited. I figured if she was faithful and determined to the point of getting on a train to Ottawa and getting into a cab to come to my studio, it was the least I could do. She was very thankful for it and even more so with her portraits. We talked for a bit and I served her a cup of tea with a couple biscuits. She even stayed around for my next appointment because her train's departure was in a couple hours. Mary would at times give the young lady compliments on her looks and how the young lady had wisely chosen me as her photographer. The young lady looked at me and smiled, obviously charmed with Mary's remarks and cheerful spirit.

When it came time for Mary to leave, I insisted on driving her to the train station. I had safely packed her portraits in cardboard to prevent any damage and slipped in into a bag. Upon arrival at the train station, I helped her out of my SUV and walked her inside, told her how thankful I was for her faithful business and said goodbye.

I must admit, I was emotional to see her walk away; this lady's determination and spirit had to be deeply admired. I've thought about her every day ever since. Those portraits were her final memento of herself she would leave her family...

A few days ago I received a long distance phone call. It was from Mary's daughter; the daughter I had photographed her wedding 16 years ago. She was calling to give me the news that her beloved mother had past away. I immediately felt a sensation of immense grief, the news felt like I had a canon ball in my chest! Mary's daughter thanked me on behalf of her entire family for the wonderful portrait I had done for her mother. She also told me something that brought tears to my eyes. Mary had left a note with her framed 11X14, telling her family that this was her portrait to be used at her funeral and asking her family to thank me for "The amazing portrait that was created by our amazing family photographer Mario Menard".

Mary's daughter or her family weren't aware of their mother's trip to Ottawa. Mary had left the portraits with her friend living next door and had asked her to give the portraits to her daughter upon her death. It was her final way to say I love you with a memento that will be cherished forever.

In my 24 years as a professional photographer, I have done countless portraits of people, many of elderly people who some would share with me that those portraits were "just in case" type of portraits. I was always somehow touched by this but most of all, as a photographer who is passionate about recording and composing memories, I've always been aware of the importance of such portraits and how it touches many lives. However, this story has touched me the most in my 24 years. It touched me deeply because Mary was an endless enthusiast with a wonderful cheerful spirit. Her heartfelt smile prompted people to smile back with kindness and appreciation. Mary has touched me and made me realize more profoundly the importance and the meaning of a portrait... It is a memento that is cherished by the people we love, this, we all are aware of already. But most of all, a portrait is a direct communication that connects us with the people we love the most after they're gone. It is an archive of our presence; an heart felt archive for the ones we love and leave behind.

Mario P. Menard