gathering photos: a life in 8 pictures

As you comb through boxes in the attic or stacks of albums to find photos that tell your loved one's life story, don't stress about choosing the right kind of photo, or finding enough photos to represent each stage of life. Some people choose only one incredible image.

An important thing to keep in mind: it's all about them.

Photos that have a sense of place, or show your loved one enjoying an activity, will spark more conversation, and will be easier for others to talk about, then pictures of family standing in a group.

Here are suggestions for the kinds of photos that will get the whole neighbourhood talking. (You don’t need a photo from each category, and it’s OK to have more than one photo in any category.)

    • Childhood or teenage years. Celebrate the mischief and spirit of your loved one’s younger days.

      Man at the motor of his fishing boat, boating on a lake, wearing a funny fishing hat.
      • Happy places. Restore their sense of self with photos of where they loved to spend time: at the beach, in the garden, or even in a favourite armchair.

        A young girl in a Brownie uniform
        • Community group. Commemorate the many valuable friendships your loved one enjoyed through shared experiences.

            A south-asian man, his wife and his mother standing in the kitchen, smiling to the camera.
            • Family photo. Include one or two photos with parents, siblings, or children to reveal your loved one's roots: Did they come from a large and boisterous flock or a smaller family? Pictures with grandchildren are guaranteed to bring joy.

              A sepia toned formal portrait of a young soldier and his fiancee 1950.
              • Portrait. Present their dignified self in a dressed-up professional portrait,
                or their spontaneous personality with a candid shot mid-laugh.

                A formal wedding portrait of an African-American couple, 1960s.
                • Wedding or anniversary. Help them to feel close to their beloved, especially if it’s not always possible to be together in person.

                    A girl with her mother visiting a beautiful garden 1970s
                    • A trip or an adventure. Evoke memories of that family trip back home, a cottage vacation, or standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

                          • Family pet. An easy cue for people to share their own stories.

                            • Special memory. The picture that's worth a thousand words - the moment your loved one talks about with fondness: holding their newborn, in front of their first house, or their retirement party.

                             

                            For people living with dementia:

                            For those in cognitive decline, their strongest memories are often from their teens and 20s. They are able to tell a clearer, fuller story because their memory actually works! Include photos from their early years and watch their eyes shine as they reminisce with confidence!


                              Do's and don'ts:

                              Do look for:

                              • Sharp focus and clear facial expressions.
                              • Uncluttered backgrounds.
                              • Good contrast and separation between people and background.
                              • Digital images that are high-resolution.
                              • Photos that tell a story.

                              Don't worry if they are not the same size or type or quality; they don't have to match. The reminisart professional creative team will "optimize" them to pull them all together.

                              Avoid:

                              • Out of focus or faded; faces obscured. 
                              • Cluttered images with no point of interest.

                              Whatever photos you choose, we will create a beautiful gift that is thoughtful, visually balanced, and, most importantly, honours the singular life and spirit of your loved one, and gives everyone insight into what makes them remarkable. 

                              Your loved one’s cherished memories are in good hands. We promise. 

                              Ready to get started? 

                              You can download the pdf below to help you get organized. If you've already got your photos, background and captions, jump right into Order your reminisart™ today.