The Perfect Throwback - Timing is Everything!

by Skip Cohen

Now and then, I run across an image that's far more than just an older photograph. I know I've shared this image a few times over the years, but for me, it represents the epitome of what a great throwback is all about.

To start, the image itself is a perfect example of great storytelling, all in one photograph. "Forever Alone" is about Cupid forgetting to keep one arrow for himself. He's at the bar, drowning his sorrows, without a chance at love on Valentine's Day. And to add to the fun of the image, that's the artist himself in the far back left corner!

The image was created by an artist who's become a great buddy over the years. It's one of the early images I shared of Jonathan Thorpe's. It was captured eight years ago, just about to the day. Jonathan is no stranger to the SCU blog. He's a Tamron Image Master, and his work has been featured in guest post images, an episode of "Why?" and the Tamron Recipes podcast.

The backstory gets even better in this BTS video from 2013: 

​Throwbacks also help us stay in touch. I caught up to Jonathan for a few minutes at IUSA last month. I also called him this morning to determine when the "Forever Alone" was created and make sure it was okay to share. Just the fun of catching up to him was a great way to kick off the day.

Last but not least, Valentine's Day is Monday. So that makes the timing of today's Throwback Thursday post the perfect preview to the holiday.

Whether you share Throwback Thursday images or not, take the time to go on the hunt. That's half the fun. It's a reminder of how important photographs are. There are few things more valuable than looking at an old photo and appreciating the memories it brings back.

And as a marketing tool, throwbacks are a perfect way to remind your clients it's time to update that family portrait. For most of you, your target audience is "Mom."  With the renewed focus on family because of the pandemic, now is the time for you to plant a few seeds of ideas, especially for children and family portraiture. 

Happy Throwback Thursday!

PS Interested in seeing more of Jonathan's work?  He needs to be on your radar. Just click on Cupid to visit his website.