once upon a time

by Karla Cordero, age 38, Heredia, Costa Rica
Photographer

I would like the story to be once upon a time… but the truth is that sometimes, sad experiences happen so we react and learn a lesson. In this case I would like to talk about my best friend's dad.

Jeslyn and I have been friends since 3rd grade, and until now we try to meet at least once a week for pupusas, tacos or who knows what.
A few years ago her dad passed away. Her dad, one of the coolest dads I knew, was always there for her, funny, positive and joyful. For Jeslyn’s wedding he had his hair braided, so you know what I mean when I say cool and not afraid about making a statement.

Anyway, to continue with the story, eventually Jeslyn’s dad got really sick and and after 9 months or so I received the news at 6am in the morning when I woke up. I grabbed my phone and there it was a midnight text from her, telling me the sad news and asking me for a big favor. 

To my surprise, in that painful moment, they needed my professional advice and help as professional photographer. The only photo they had was an official government passport ID photo, where he actually looked happy and they wanted to know a photo lab that could enlarge the photo, printed and frame it to have it on top of the close coffin and service memorial, so family and friends could remember him as he was.

One if these moments that a photographer wishes never to encounter, there I was arranging with a lab so it could be done on time and making sure the photo will look its best, and arranging a messenger that can bring the frame to the service memorial before it all started.

After that I understood 4 things:

1. Families should do every now and then professional photos, not because I am a photographer and I want sell more, but because these photos will become family treasures and stories to tell 
2. Photos should be printed, because otherwise people forget they even exist
3. My job is so valuable because I help families to create their family legacy, and this is something they don’t teach you in college 
4. Unfortunately the value of printed photos is much stronger when the family member is no longer among us.

​The only thing I regret is that I never offered Jeslyn to do a family session while her father was alive and in a good condition. 
That photo now would have meant the world to her…

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