# Inanimate Family Portraits The 'Portraits of My Family' Project Turns People into Symbolic Objects By Alexander Lam | Published 2013-06-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-portraits References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/camilla-catrambone-portraits-of-my-family) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Portraits-of-my-family/6755421) Instead of taking [family portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-portrait-studio) with people in it, artist Camilla Catrambone decided to use [inanimate meaning-filled objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-objects-we-live-by) in 'Portraits of My Family.' The photo set features collections of objects that represent each member of Catrambone's family. Using the belongings of each family member, the artist arranged a scene to represent a single person. The items were aligned neatly to give the sense that you are not intruding on a person's personal life and that the objects are being presented to you. Catrambone carefully chose the objects to capture the essence of each family member. Objects that held a special significance in a person's life were laid out in order to capture a comprehensive image. The resulting photo is arguably more intimate and informative than any [traditional portrait](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits) could be. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Symbolic Object Photography:** Capturing meanings and narratives through inanimate objects in photography, offering a unique and creative approach to storytelling. - **Personal Essence Representation:** Using objects that hold special significance to represent and convey the essence of a person, adding depth and personalization to portraits. - **Intimate and Informative Imagery:** Creating photos that are both personal and revealing, providing a deeper understanding of individuals and their stories through carefully arranged objects. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Photography:** Artists and photographers can explore the use of inanimate objects to capture emotions, narratives, and personal stories in their work, pushing the boundaries of traditional portrait photography. - **Family and Lifestyle:** Family and lifestyle brands can incorporate symbolic object photography to present a more personal and intimate representation of their products, connecting with consumers on a deeper emotional level. - **Home Decor and Interior Design:** Home decor and interior design industries can leverage the concept of personal essence representation to curate unique and meaningful spaces for individuals, showcasing their personalities through carefully selected objects and decor. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Custom Pet Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-mom.md) - [Object Design-Explorative Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apartamento-secreto.md) - [Imperfect Photography Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam.md) - [Folded Paper Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clara-von-zweibergk.md) - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md) - [Customizable Book Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lagom-collection1.md) - [Abandoned Bikes-Turned Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/objects-from-frames.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Daily Ritual Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/routines-collection.md)