As we go through life, we tend to accumulate a lot of memories and mementos that hold special meaning to us. One of the most powerful ways to preserve these memories is through photographs.

Recently, I received a text message through Instagram from a woman who stumbled upon a photo I had taken of her many years ago. She shared with me how much the picture meant to her and her son, and it got me thinking about the importance of photographs in preserving our history for future generations.

Hi —I was going through some old memorabilia that I kept for years and that photo was one of them. I was taking photos from my phone and then tossing most away because of storage. I showed the photo you took (homecoming court/pirate) and showed my son, and he said “I love that photo of you mom, you have to keep that one” He is 18. I turned it over and saw your name. Then I looked you up, and your Instagram showed you still shooting photos, so I was seeing if it was you. I remember you also from the ECU newspaper. I worked there in 1982/1983 typesetting.

Photos uniquely transport us back in time, reminding us of the people, places, and experiences that have shaped our lives. They allow us to relive special moments and share them with others, bringing back memories that may have been forgotten.

In this case, I could find the original negatives of the photos and scan them for her, allowing her to have a higher-quality version of the image to keep forever. It was such a joy for me to give her these memories in a more tangible form.

This experience reinforced the importance of preserving our photographs for future generations. Whether it’s through digitizing old negatives or simply keeping physical copies of our photos, we must take the time to ensure that our memories are passed down to those who come after us.

Photos are more than just a way to capture a moment in time; they are a way to preserve our history and ensure that the memories of our loved ones live on. So next time you come across an old photo, take a moment to appreciate it and consider how you can preserve it for future generations.