I’d like to introduce to you something which I refer to as a “memory book”. You could also call it a “family treasure book”.
The idea came to me many years ago when an elderly gentleman asked me to photograph his collection of pottery and other family memorabilia. He was moving to a nursing home and had to give away most of his possessions to extended family or charity. So, I went in to his home one afternoon and photographed many different pieces that his family had set aside for me to work with. In a short period of time I had a finished book for him to bring to his new home. He was thrilled with the result. Not only did it keep him connected to his past but it gave him a starting point for many conversations with family and friends.
Sample of an actual book - this page highlights an old family cookbook
This is the book that is pictured above
We all need to downsize at some point, it’s a fact of life. Why not have a memory book created before discarding or giving away meaningful items?
Do you have any stamp collectors in the family?
Do you know anyone who has a large coin collection?
The process of making this book made me realize that many of the “things” we own often have great meaning. They convey values or trigger memories of a good life long ago. Think of an old bus ticket to a far away city, or a brick from the old family farm. I know a family that treasures a worn, decorative wooden spoon that cooked many meals back in Europe. In my own family we have a beloved silver dish from a past family restaurant. Many family treasures also tell a story, such as the old newspaper clipping that I have of my grandfather protesting the Vietnam war. Another example is the dish pictured below, crafted by a family member in the 1960’s. She was very talented with “home crafts” such as pottery and weaving. That is why I loved creating this book.
Close view of handmade pottery
Do you have any weavers or quilters in the family?
In another light, I think it’s important for everyone to preserve their families’ legacy for the benefit of future generations. All too frequently the details of our lives, great and small, are lost. As I look at my own family tree, I see a lot of names and dates and sadly not much else to help me understand the people in my past.
Another thought about photographing family treasures is that in the end we have a lasting digital image which can be shared with other family members or shared with an archive on or offline. Digital images (of objects of reproduction of old portraits), kept online or kept in multiple locations, are safe from fire or other natural disasters.
Here is an sample of a photo scanning & touch-up “job”. We use a high-end scanner and have years of experience with Photoshop and Lightroom to make the image appear similar to the original but sharper with more detail.
To see our price list and more go here:
An example of a an old portrait digitized
A note about my photography: I always like to ensure everything is well-lit and in sharp focus. By using a professional camera, macro-lens and a special technique, I can capture amazing detail in small items such as jewelry. Larger items, such as musical instruments are shot using a backdrop and basic portrait lighting. Old photographs are scanned and digitally enhanced when appropriate. I have worked as a full-time photographer for nearly twenty years and quality is very important to me.
Here is an example of the kind of detail I can show - the original is a small baby’s bracelet from the early 1900s
What items do you have in your family which are near and dear to your heart? I’d love to hear from you!
(Please feel free to share this post!)
Susan
Click through the gallery for some sample images:
