We all have them – boxes of old photos, albums tucked in closets, snapshots stored away with the best intentions. But what good are these photos if they’re never seen, shared, or remembered?
I recently worked with a woman who had just inherited a collection of old family photographs. Some were beautiful black-and-white prints, others vibrant Polaroids from the ’70s. But as she looked through them, tears welled in her eyes – not just because the photos were meaningful, but because they were unfamiliar.
“These are pictures I’ve never seen before,” she told me. “I wish I had these out when my mom was still alive.”
She would have loved to sit down with her mom, ask who the people were, where they were, and why that day mattered. She longed to hear the stories – what it felt like to be a young mom, what her childhood home smelled like, or how her mom felt wearing that polka-dot dress in the photo from 1964. But that chance is gone. Now, she’s left to wonder.
Yes, some photos had writing on the back – a name, a year, maybe a location. But a scribbled note will never replace the sound of someone’s voice sharing memories with emotion, laughter, and the little details that make a story come alive.
That experience changed me.
Now, in my own home, I’ve made it a habit to use my memories. We keep old photos out in frames. We rotate them seasonally or whenever one strikes a chord. I prop favorite prints on shelves or add them to the front of the fridge like they did in the old days. We bring out albums – yes, the thick old ones with bent corners. And most importantly, we talk about them. I share the stories with my kids. And someday, our grandkids will hear them too.
Old photos shouldn’t just live in the past. They should be part of your present.
✨ 8 Simple Ways to Enjoy Your Photo Memories Today
- Frame It. Pick one old photo and place it in a frame where you’ll see it daily. Change it out from time to time.
- Fridge Gallery. Add a few favorite prints to your refrigerator door—it’s a daily reminder of where you’ve been and who you love.
- Album Time. Dust off an old photo album and set it out on your coffee table. Flip through it with someone you care about.
- Photo Postcard. Turn a vintage photo into a postcard. Mail it to a family member and share a memory—or ask them to tell you one.
- Story Time. Use an old photo as a prompt to tell a story at dinner or during a quiet moment with your kids.
- Make a Digital Slideshow.
Scan your favorites and create a digital slideshow to play during family gatherings, holidays, or memorials. - Gift a Photo Memory Box.
Fill a decorative box with prints and handwritten notes about each one. It makes a heartfelt gift for a parent, child, or sibling. - Start a “One Photo a Week” Tradition.
Each week, display one photo in a small tabletop frame and share its story with your family.
A clean and simple way to easily display pictures!
And if you’re looking for even more help getting the most enjoyment out of your photos, check out the other ways we can connect:
👉 Grab my free Photo Resource Guide – it’s packed with tools, apps, and simple steps to get started.
👉 Check out my book, Beyond the Storm – a powerful blend of true stories and practical advice for safeguarding your photos.
👉 Want to dive deeper? My online course will walk you through organizing and scanning a lifetime of print photos.
👉 Want to join the photo organizing CRUISE? This fun getaway is set for February 2026 and YOU are invited to join! Check out The Great Photo Voyage and be sure and sign up soon, space is limited!