Portrait of a Young Woman, Post Office, Melbourne

Portrait of a young woman, post office, Melbourne

Where's home for you? Is it the house you own or the flat you rent? Whether you're born and bred, a naturalized citizen, resident or visitor to town I really believe in the saying that home is where the heart is.

You Can Take the Boy Out of the Country

I've lived in Melbourne since 1986, albeit with as much travel as possible along the way. But I was born in Hamilton, a small town of around 8,000 people in Western Victoria and, to me, home is where my parents are. While my dad passed 7 years ago, aged 78, my mum is still rocking on at 85 years of age. Thankfully mum is still in the family home and, though I don't get back has often as I'd like, it will remain my home until my dear old mum moves on.

Wherever you are and whether you see yourself as a local, resident or visitor it's important to have a photographic record of yourself in that environment. While a great record that will grow in importance over the years, it's also important for those that have moved away from home.

Where and When?

Personally I'd recommend that you avoid stuffy studio portraits. Keep it real and have yourself photographed in the same environments where you spend your time. If you're an outdoor person then consider having your portrait made in a favorite park or beach. If you're a creature of the night then a favorite restaurant, pub or nightclub could produce the kind of atmospheric likeness you'd like to be remembered for.

For those of us who live away from family a phone call is a great way to keep in touch. And, of course, there's social media. But Facebook without photos just doesn't cut it. And there's just no substitute for a large photographic print, be it paper, canvas or acrylic based.

Action Leads to Happiness

Please don't make the mistake I have. I'm usually the bunny with the camera. I never seem to get caught in anyone's lights.

Whether we realize it or not, we are loved and fondly remembered by family and friends. But, where distance separates us, it's important to make the effort and have some beautiful photographs made that tell the story of some of the more positive aspects of our current lives.

After all they just want you to be happy and a lovely portrait is a great way to affirm that desire.

What's more these photos can help us to understand that our lives are actually pretty good and that, compared to many other folk, we're lucky to be living the life we are. Are we not?

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Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru