Memories
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Record videos of family members talking and pets making sounds to preserve their voices and behaviors.
Hearing their voice and seeing their behavior brings them back more than pictures alone.
3 people, independently
- Record videos of parents or grandparents playing with their grandchildren to preserve memories of their interactions.1
Take photos of mundane aspects of your living space, such as kitchens or balconies.
These images create a collection that serves as a memory lane trip after moving frequently.
one person who lived it
- Document your living spaces, such as rooms and houses, to create a record of places you called home.1
- Take random photos of specific spots in loved ones' homes and candid moments during gatherings.1
- Take photos of your living spaces before moving out or dismantling them.1
Give a young child a small camera to take pictures of you.
They will likely capture images where you are also included.
one person who lived it
Journal about little everyday things rather than just the highs and lows.
Focusing only on highs and lows can feel chaotic, while mundane details matter.
one person who lived it
Include wide shots with background details in your photos to capture context like furniture and decor.
Wide shots provide nostalgic value by preserving the environment, such as living rooms, alongside the moment.
one person who lived it
Digitally catalogue old physical photos to protect them from loss.
One person was thankful for uploaded photos after their home burned down.
one person who lived it
Back up digital photos and videos to multiple physical or external storage locations.
Hard drive crashes can result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable content.
one person who lived it
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After taking a few good shots, put your phone away to focus on experiencing the moment rather than documenting it.
This approach leads to making much better memories.
one person who lived it
Photograph specific details like fridge magnets or wall art to capture the atmosphere of past homes.
Visual records of decor help recall the feeling of spaces that memory alone may not fully preserve.
2 people, independently
Take pictures of street signs, building names, and location markers while traveling.
These images help sort through photos later and become interesting reference points when looking back decades later.
3 people, independently
Start taking photos sooner rather than later.
To avoid regretting missing early life stages, homes, and neighborhoods.
2 people, independently
Capture candid, unstaged snapshots of family and friends going about their lives to preserve natural interactions.
Candid shots are more natural and better at capturing the moment than set-up photos.
2 people, independently
Backup your photo files regularly.
Losing a device can result in the permanent loss of extensive personal history.
one person who lived it
Include friends or family in snapshots of landmarks to personalize the memory and provide a sense of scale.
Photos of just scenery are generic; including loved ones makes the photo unique and provides context for scale.
- Some prefer separate photos for scenery and for loved ones.
one person who lived it
Take photos of mundane items to prove ownership and specific value for insurance claims.
Adjusters may assign generic values unless you can prove the existence and worth of specific items after theft or disaster.
one person who lived it
Share photos of military or travel experiences with family later, even if they seemed tacky at the time.
These images allow you to share your experiences with loved ones years later.
one person who lived it
Photograph mundane details and the journey of trips, such as bathrooms or staircases, rather than just major landmarks.
These specific details often become favorite photos because they trigger strong associated memories and tell a unique story.
2 people, independently
Write details on the backing of physical photos.
Writing details down ensures you will always remember the context of the photo.
one person who lived it
Back up audio recordings from interactive storybooks or similar devices to external files in case the device fails.
Device failure can lead to the permanent loss of recorded voices, causing significant emotional distress akin to mourning.
one person who lived it
Document mundane moments and natural emotions rather than only curated, perfect images.
Focusing solely on 'good' cuts can feel sad; capturing true essence avoids fake smiles.
2 people, independently
Occasionally capture quiet, everyday moments of family members, such as sleeping or tending to chores, to preserve details that are easily forgotten.
Looking back at small details, like decorations or routines, is worth it because we forget them easily.
one person who lived it
Take photos of children's favorite items, including stuffed animals with tags, bookshelves, and TV show logos, to help remember specific details later.
People often struggle to remember answers to questions about these specific favorites later in life.
one person who lived it
Take photos of cluttered or working spaces, such as kitchen tables, to document family hobbies and efforts.
Images of messy or active areas capture the reality of a working family's various activities.
one person who lived it
Capture candid moments of children playing or interacting naturally, avoiding forced poses.
Children often appear photogenic when unaware they are being photographed, whereas direct requests to smile can result in awkward expressions or grumpy faces if they are interrupted from play.
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Digitize old analog media like VHS tapes or camcorder footage immediately to prevent loss from deterioration.
Old media physically deteriorates over time, turning into dust and oil.
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Pretend the camera is malfunctioning to catch subjects off-guard for natural candid shots.
Acting confused or starting banter about a perceived technical issue distracts subjects, allowing you to take photos while they are relaxed and unaware.
2 people, independently
Use disposable cameras on trips to create tangible memories you will appreciate later.
It encourages mindful photography and provides a record you will value when older.
one person who lived it
Include artwork labels with artist and title information when photographing art in galleries.
Including the label makes it easy to research the artist later.
one person who lived it
Keep film negatives from vacation photos.
Negatives allow you to reprint photos if the originals are lost or if duplicates are needed.
one person who lived it
Organize travel photos into albums by location to keep them distinct.
It prevents confusion between similar sites.
one person who lived it
Avoid blocking professional photographers or others with personal devices during ceremonies.
Using personal phones to take photos can obstruct the view of hired professionals.
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