Why Pictures are Important

When you think about your family you can usually recall what they look like rather quickly. However, there was a time when pictures were not so readily available. Do you remember or know of someone who can tell you what your great grandparents or great, great grandparents looked like? Some may say yes and others may say no. Most of us (who were born in the late 70's) have no memory of our great grandparents.The people who say no usually have a reason like the family member didn't like getting their pictures taken or maybe they couldn't afford it and never got around to it. I can say that I am among some of the fortunate as I actually have a picture that has four generations in it (photographed when I was a baby).There was myself, my father, grandfather and great grandfather - something I will always keep.



My family has taken up the hobby of genealogy over the past couple of years. As fasinating as it is to find out the history of one's family, we've often thought that it would be helpful to see what our ancestors looked like as well as to see which family traits have followed through to the most recent of generations.



We've also found how important it is to have a nice recent photo of our older members of the family. About eleven years ago my brother had gotten married. This was the last major family function my grandmother made it to. As it happened this was also the last time she had a nice picture taken where she still looked herself. I'm not sure if it was that particular picture that was used at her funeral or not, however I still have a copy of that picture so that I can show it to future generations the family who have come before them.



A couple of things we can do to preserve these memories could be as simple as taking grandma to the studio for a nice picture for her birthday. Or maybe start a tradition with your family now - once every couple of years (more often if the eldest family member is on the frail side) have as many of the grandchildren you can get together over and have a picture as a group with grandma or maybe even a great aunt. Some may think this is a hassle now, but I'm sure they will apreciate those photo's later.



Okay we've talked a lot about why we should have these pictures done. Now what? What do we do with them? There are a few things you will want to consider. The first would be to make sure everyone who wants a copy of that picture gets one; even if it's a small wallet size. The next thing you may want to consider is to have an extra copy put away properly archived - to make sure that photo lasts for generations to come. While archiving that extra print take the time to jot down a bit of information about that time. For example: everyone's names (don't leave it to chance that someone will remember down the road who is who - after all, we all change), the year and where it was taken. These are a minimum; you may also want to add something of a special note like that it was the grandparents 50th birthday at that time as well.



In the age of digital photography it isn't too hard to make any time that special picture day. Just make sure that those digital files get printed as you don't want to go to all that effort and then have a virus go through your files before you had a chance to print a copy. Once a copy has been made at least then it can be scanned and you can make additional copies if something devestating like a computer virus should take your memories away.


So you don't think that I don't follow my own advise, here is a quick shot taken of my husband and myself at his parents anniversary party. Yes, even the photographer has to get in front of the camera some time; otherwise how does anyone know that you were there?

Stay tuned for more food for thought next time.