When you get old, you get a lot of time on your hands. You really can't shoot hoops like you used to. You can't find a good pinball machine; the video games seem too complicated for you. But you do have a stack of photos, all carefully unstacked in a genuine random fashion.
I must say that this article is not only for the oldy moldies (like myself), it's also for the younger crowd. It's for just about anyone who wants to preserve those precious photos that he or she has. Let's get started.
PHOTO ALBUM
This is a neat little thing, usually inexpensive. For those in North America, they can be purchased at a dollar-type store real cheap. If you are too snooty to get one there, you can pay the higher prices for one in a specialty shop. The books usually contain plastic sleeves to put your pictures under. Mounting pictures in one of these albums is easy. All one has to do is place your snapshot under the plastic, put the plastic sheet back over the photo and you're done.
It's a good idea to put the name, date, place on the back of the photo in pencil. Don't press down too hard on the pencil or you'll get a backward view of the writing on the photo. Go easy!
Here's an example: Jonny Noggin's Birthday, May 20, 2006, Age 6 years. You might well today know that Jonny is 6 years old but in 25 years, you probably might think he's five or seven! Do you get my drift!
Like I said before, this is just not for the senior citizen. Kids, you can collect pictures of school-mates, friends, and family and start your own collection. Don't forget to include some pictures of your dog or cat.
PICTURE FRAMES
They are just like toilet seats. You can pay a fortune or you can get one from a dollar type store for your favorite photo. These picture frames have a piece of glass so young ones ask an adult to help you put a picture in a picture frame.
For Mom and Dad-You children are your most precious gift. It's great to show them off with a picture of them on the wall. Perhaps you could make a single wall in the house a family picture wall. Of all that I have even done in life or all I acquired, I am prouder of my boys than anything else. Let he or she who visits your home know how you feel about your children!
Some of you have a "love me" wall. You know, that office room with all those certificates, sports photos and the like exhibited to the caring and uncaring visitor. Remember that eighty-five pound super softball batter in your exhibit of things to be proud of.
Kids, check with your parents before putting nails in the wall. Ask for assistance.
DOCUMENTING THE HAZY
Some of the saved pictures that you have can't be placed as to time and location. Ask the significant other, he or she might remember.
Really old pictures can be dated (usually close) by an older family member if the picture has no caption.
FIRST THINGS LAST
When you get your photos back from the store, put a caption on the ones that you want to mount in a photo album or picture frame. On August 17,2034, you'll be glad you did!
Don't forget to caption on the back those group shots from school or activities. This will be of great benefit in the future when you try to figure out what the photo was about.
I hope that you have a great family and a great life. And I hope that you have a few good photos to prove it!
Gene Smith was a Navy Photographer for eight years in the 60s and 70s. He is currently a Mental Health Care Professional. He lives near Charles Town, West Virginia.
(c)2006 Gene Smith
