Writing Your Family Stories: Family Photos
Have you ever discovered an old family picture and wished that you knew the story behind it? The following questions might help you discover an important family story that you can share with the next generation!
People. Can you identify the people within the shot? If not, do you know anyone who can? Can you write a description of that person? Who else might have been around when the shot was taken?
Places. Do you know where the picture as taken? Can you describe the place or the area at that time? Do you know anything about the history of the area? What do you know about that area now?
Time. When was the shot taken? What time period? What was going on in the world at that time? What changes have taken place since that time?
Events. Do you know what event was taking place when the photo was taken? Can you tell what season of the year it was taken? What events might have been happening around that time?
Story. Does the picture reminds you of a story? What came to mind as you thought about the people, places, or event that might have been taking place when the photo was shot.
Questions. You might think of even more questions that you need to ask yourself about the photo that would help you capture an important family story.
Brainstorm. Take a moment and write down your thoughts about your picture. You could even include the picture when you preserve your story—in a scrapbook, on your computer, on a blog, in a notebook ... the possibilities are endless!
Legacy Stories. Don't miss your opportunity to preserve your family history by composing a written legacy of your family stories, as you identify the details and stories represented by your family photos.
Photo/JordanFamilyPics
Did this photo remind you of an person, place, or event from your own family history?
Posted by Karen Jordan at 24 Jan 2012 
Categories: Building Legacies, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: writing prompt encouragement legacy family memoir remembering grandchildren parents lifelong learner storytelling event
Categories: Building Legacies, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: writing prompt encouragement legacy family memoir remembering grandchildren parents lifelong learner storytelling event
Hi Karen,
Yes, it does. I have a very similar photo of my uncle, posed on a pony. He was between four and six years old at the time. The picture was taken in Los Angeles sometime in the late 1940s. The occasion was my uncle's birthday, I believe.
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Thanks for your comment, Andy! I hope you can find some time to write down some of the details and your thoughts about your photo--even if it's just a note on the back of the picture. Someone may find it some day and wonder, "Who is the little boy on the horse?"
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