One of the challenges when writing a family history or life story is the missing photos. We write about a big moment and realize we don’t have the photos to show our readers. Maybe when the event happened, we didn’t get pictures because we were fully present in the moment. Or maybe we had photos that disappeared over the years. The good news is your story will still shine even without the original photos.
Writers of family histories or life stories often include photos for several reasons. Family members love to see photos of past events. Maybe they weren’t born yet. It’s fun to see older relatives when they were younger. But in the absence of photos, a vivid description of something a family member said or did still paints a wonderful picture.
Photos also help readers see the story. But creating a feeling and a connection with your words is more important than finding that perfect photo that has gone missing. When you write words that engage your reader, they can see the story in their mind and feel like they were there.
If you want to include photos in your story but can’t find the original photos, you can get creative. Think of a photo that will capture the mood or the theme of the story:
- A photo that represents a certain decade.
- A similar-looking car, house, or lake.
- A themed image like a rolling pin to represent grandma’s baking.
- A landmark from your hometown, like a welcome sign or an historic building.
- Seasonal images or a landscape that captures the atmosphere.
Anything that brings the reader into the story will work. You can find these images on royalty-free sites (always read the fine print about allowable usage). Or take your own photos. That way, readers will benefit from your visual creativity, and future family members will have a record of your photographic talent.
Include a caption with each photo, giving credit to the photographer, if known—even if the photographer is you—and explaining why you’ve included the photo. For example, “This photo reminds me of grandma’s kitchen.” That way, readers know it’s not the original photo, but they now have a visual aid to imagine how it felt to be in grandma’s kitchen.
As you select the photos that fit your story, remember it’s not about capturing every detail. It’s about sharing the atmosphere of those memories and recreating those moments for your readers.
This week, think about a scene from a family or life story you’d like to write. Look for a photo that helps set the scene—even if it’s not the exact original photo you wish you had. Let the photo inspire your writing. Your readers will be inspired too.
Janet Eriksson 