Old Stories

I am frequently perched atop my soapbox and touting the importance of people pictures (both snapshots and professional portraits) and the need to backup files, print images, frame/display them properly, and just protect them in general. Today I’d like to talk a bit about something that, in my opinion, goes hand in hand with this idea.

Professional Photographers of America coined the phrase that photographers are “the world’s greatest storytellers.” I believe this might be the best slogan for the profession that I’ve ever heard. As a professional photographer, it is always my goal (or should be) to tell a story with every image I create or capture. (OK… Sometimes I can create a mood or feeling at best.)

However, the written word can be just as powerful. What’s better than a treasured portrait of your grandmother to pass down through the generations? …Her life story to accompany it. A picture, or even a collection of photographs, can’t hold a candle to this.

Years ago, I begged, pleaded, and implored my grandmothers (and parents) to fill out journals I purchased which contained questions and prompts to tell me about themselves and their life story thus far. It took some time, but I received three out of four completed books back (my dad is still “working” on his). My grandmothers had the greatest difficulty with it, as both of my grandfathers passed away when I was very young and reminiscing on the past was extremely painful for them. However, they persevered and filled out the pages for me because they knew how valuable their stories were, and are, to me. I can’t say enough how appreciative I am of this and how much these books are priceless in my eyes.

From a historical standpoint this type of documentation is equally important. Our stories need not be forgotten. Your family, future generations, and even historians will be grateful that you’ve taken the interest and time to document either your legacy or that of a loved one’s. You would be amazed at what you might learn about a family member. On the flip side, for those doing the telling, perhaps it may bring to light an experience you never thought twice about, but your children find fascinating.

I encourage you to consider seeking out the stories of your family members and documenting them. I found my journals on Amazon, but there are several kinds out there. Just be sure to look through the questions to see if they are appropriate for the individual you’re giving it to.

I also recently came across an app for my iPhone called StoryCorps which is a remarkable organization and concept. This app allows you to pick out or make your own questions, record an interview session, and upload it to their archive (which is optional!!). I love this idea; however, an oral history with my grandmothers would’ve been out of the question due to their sensitive spirits. Be sure to pick your questions carefully – making your interviewee cry probably isn’t a good goal.

So when you’re hanging out at your next family function this summer and you do an eye roll when your grandparent, or elder, retells a story you’ve heard 1,000 times, consider that no one lives forever and one day you might miss hearing it. Everyone has their own intriguing story if you take the time to listen. Maybe this time you should start taking notes… And don’t forget to take some family photos while you’re at it.