How to Write Your Stories for Your Photos
Step 1: Let Your Photos Stir Up Memories
So many memories come to mind with a photo. Choose a photo from your past
that has some familiar objects.
a neighbor’s house
a car you remember
the fence you helped build
your friends
a favorite toy
Let all of the memories flow as you look at this picture.
Step 2: Study the Picture
Look at everything in the photo.
- People:
What are they thinking?
What are they doing? Why?
What are they feeling?
Are they related? Friends? Strangers?
Remember the who, what, when, where, and why
Animals
Are they someone’s pet?
What are they doing? Or have done?
What are they thinking?
Landscapes
What’s happening in this picture?
What’s the weather?
Who’s taking the picture? Why are they there?
Step 3: Let Your Memories Flow
Jot down things that occur to you, even if they aren’t related to the picture.
Step 4: Be Yourself
Don’t worry about grammar or correctness. Write how you speak. Those who read your story later will know you and your personality if you be yourself.
Step 5: Put the Photo Aside and Start Writing
Go over your notes.
Write your memories.
Sometimes the story has nothing to do with the picture. That’s OK! A story has still been written.
Other Ideas for Stories:
Ancestor Scavenger Hunt
Organize an activity for family members to retell old stores at the sites where they occurred. Bring your camera and a notebook/tape recorder. Get children’s reactions to grandparents.
Recipe Book
Collect recipes and record memories about the recipe. Reminisce about aromas, textures, and tastes of favorite foods.
Memory Book
Focus on memories of a particular person, maybe a child. Include handwriting samples, schoolwork, photos.
Heirloom Story
Write the story of a simple item you’ve been given or something you want to pass on someday. The item becomes more meaningful when there’s a simple history.
Final Tips:
When writing show, don’t tell.
Example: Tell – Bob felt scared
Show – Bob’s face went ashen. His breathing came in ragged gasps.
Take a notebook with you everywhere.
You never know when you’ll be inspired.
Capture the feeling of the moment.
Mind dump
Just write until you can’t write anymore. Write about your favorite chair, an object you take with you everywhere, your first school memory, college graduation, a note you would leave behind.
