Apr 21, 2025 | By: Lea Rhea Photography
Not long ago, I attended the memorial servicel of a high school classmate. We were in some of the same organizations in school and I had seen her a few times at high school reunions. We had not stayed in touch but when I read about her passing and that her memorial service was near me, I wanted to attend.
A video was played with many pictures of my friend through the years. Photos of her as a child, through her school years, as well as a good number as an adult showing her doing the things she loved and that were a good representation of her and her life and that let me know her many interests and passions as an adult.
So what was my take away, especially as a professional photographer for the past 10 years?
1) Photographs tell our story and connect us to our past and present.
2) Joy and memories come from looking back over photographs collected over many years.
3) Don’t shy away from the camera. Let someone take your picture! Smile, look happy!
4) Life passes by all too quickly, memories in the form of verbal stories as well as photographs can be passed down to loved ones after we are gone.
5) Have a mix of photographic memories – those from the spontaneous to the fun family vacations and get togethers, you doing and enjoying life, as well as scheduled, planned photo sessions where you plan your dress and are posed professionally.
6) Make sure your photographic memories are stored in a form that will stand the test of time. Technology is ever changing, and today’s technology may not be accessible in 10, 15, 20 years. Archival print media is ideal, with photographs printed on archival paper with archival ink. And if you have them digitally, make sure to regularly make back ups.
7) When they are enjoying their printed images, no one ever regrets having professional photographs – whether it is a framed portrait or preserved in an album or folio box.
8) Sometimes, a photograph is all we have left.
How will you preserve your legacy (as well as theirs) and share it with your loved ones?