Playing with Photography and Memories

While we all may not be writers, we all have phone cameras—if not more elaborate cameras—and taking interesting photographs has become more important these days simply because of social media. Getting that perfect shot, the one that tells the story of that moment in time, may take several clicks before we decide to post it. The lighting, angel of the camera or subjects, and the feeling of the photographer at the time he or she clicks the button all play a part in the outcome of the photograph.

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There’s a photograph in my parents’ photo album of me as a little girl on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where we would vacation in those early years. I had a doll—she had long brown hair, and she wasn’t too big. I brought her everywhere. I don’t remember what I named her, but I do remember how she smelled—like plastic—and whenever I see that photograph, I am instantly brought back to that moment in time, that doll, that smell, the boardwalk, the ocean, my parents. Or, in this picture on the left, my brother and I are playing with our grandfather as he plays his accordion. I remember that time well, and we would attempt to strap on that accordion and play it (not like Poppy could). But these pictures allow us to remember: it’s all there within the confines of the picture. As for the interesting hat I’m wearing, I’m going to assume it was part of the show and not a fashion statement.

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That’s why we spend so much time on photography—so that memories can abound even after we’ve forgotten. From our children’s school photos to wedding photos to vacation photos to everything in between, these photographs record what we do not write down to remember. As you may be a steady reader of my blog, you will remember just how much stock I put into recording the written stories of your life just as much as what you photograph. It is important to record family stories that you want to live on. But in reality, taking photos is the easier route. You can snap a picture in seconds; to write that scene takes more time.

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Nonetheless, photographs are our records. Taking the the time to snap them makes the memories. Below are some of my recent favorites I’ve posted on Instagram. If you’re on Instagram, let’s connect so we can share our favorite photos. I’m on Instagram at stephverni — hope to see you there!