gathering photos: a life in 8 pictures
Choosing your photos
We know it can feel like a lot; sorting through boxes in the attic or stacks of albums to find the "right" photos. But don't stress. There's no perfect formula.
Some people choose one incredible image. Others include many. You don't need to follow a theme, and your photos don't have to match.
What matters most is simple: it's all about your person. This is their story: their life, their personality, their favourite memories of happy times and special places.
Our team will bring everything together into a cohesive, beautiful collage that captures a life well lived.
What makes a great photo?
Photos that show your loved one in a place they recognize, or doing something they enjoyed tend to spark the most conversations. Simple, focused images give others an easy way in, making connection and conversation feel natural.
A quick note on family photos
Family is often an important part of their story, but in a reminisart collage, less is often more. Especially for those whose memories are fading, large group photos can be visually overwhelming. Too many faces can make it difficult to recognize who's who, or even where to look. We recommend including no more than one large family photo, and choosing images where your loved one is clearly visible.
Ideas to get you started
You don't need one of each, and you can include more than one from any category.
- Portrait - A professional photo or candid moment where their personality shines through.
- Family - Reveal your loved one's roots, whether a large, boisterous flock or a smaller team.
- Community - Celebrate the many valuable friendships and special events your loved one enjoyed.
- Happy place - Restore their sense of self with photos of where they felt most themselves: the beach, the garden, or even a favourite armchair.
- Wedding or anniversary - Help them feel close to their beloved, especially if it's not always possible to be together in person.
- Adventure - The family trip back home, or the epic river cruise, are stories that prompt others to recount their own adventures.
- Childhood or teen years. Celebrate the mischief and joy of your loved one’s younger days. Everyone can relate!
- Special moments - The picture worth a thousand words - the moment your loved one talks about with fondness: holding their newborn, in front of their first home, or their retirement party.
- Family pet - An easy cue for people to share their own stories.
For people living with dementia
Memories from the teen and early adulthood are often the strongest and most accessible. Including photos from this time can help your loved one recall stories more easily and reminisce with confidence! Watch their eyes light up.
Ensuring High-Quality Prints
The higher the quality of your photos, the more beautiful your final reminisart will be.
Do look for:
- Sharp focus and clear facial expressions.
- Good contrast between subject and background.
- Photos that tell a story.
Avoid:
- Blurry, faded, or overexposed photos
- Faces that are obscured.
- Cluttered images with no clear subject.
Don't worry if your photos vary in size, type, or quality—they don't need to match. Our creative team will optimize them to work beautifully together.
Whatever photos you choose, we'll create something thoughtful, visually balanced, and deeply personal—honouring the singular life and spirit of your loved one, and helping others connect with what makes them remarkable.
Their cherished memories are in good hands. We promise.
Next Step
When you're happy with your photo selection, we've got a helpful guide to walk you through scanning prints or slides as beautiful, high-quality digital files. Check it out here!
Ready to make a collage?
Head to our Products Page to place an order.