Why You Should Record Your Family’s Stories (Before It’s Too Late) | Family Storytelling Photography in Boulder
The Quiet Power of a Grandparent’s Voice
Have you ever stumbled across an old family photo and wished it could talk? A frozen moment from decades ago, where you can see the glint in someone’s eyes but have no idea what they were laughing at or what they were like in person?
I’ve felt that ache more times than I can count. Over the past decade, I’ve been creating a book that compiles my grandmother’s photographs and nearly 100 pages of her memoirs and poems. What started as a way to make sense of boxes filled with old prints has turned into a deeply personal mission. Because of her writing, I’ve been able to connect many of those photos with the stories she left behind — moments of love, loss, resilience, and humor that would otherwise be forgotten.
Those stories, alongside the photographs, are priceless to our family. They aren’t just scraps of paper or fading images — they’re a sense of history and belonging, a reminder of who we come from and how their lives shaped our own.
That’s why I believe so strongly in the importance of not only photographing your loved ones, but also recording their stories — especially our elders, whose memories are rich with decades of life, love, and wisdom.
Don’t Wait for “The Right Time” — It’s Now
I get it. Talking about legacy brings up some hard truths. One day, the people we love won’t be here. And one day, we won’t be either. It feels easier to push these ideas away, to tell ourselves, “We’ll do that next year.” But time has a funny way of slipping by.
Recently, I filmed a quiet, moving family interview with a grandmother who had just turned 90. She had lived on the family ranch since birth. That land had been in her family since the early 1800s, and this incredible woman remembered everything — how the land developed, how they managed the seasons, what it was like to grow up there.
Watching her share those stories, in her own voice and pace, was… I don’t even have the right word. Awe-inspiring, maybe. Her granddaughter now has a film of her grandmother recounting those precious memories, in the very voice she grew up listening to. Someday, the next generation — the kids who will inherit that land — will have not just a name or a photo, but a living, breathing story.
How to Record Your Family’s Stories: My Best Advice
1. Start with One Conversation
You don’t need a film crew or a perfect setup to begin preserving your family’s stories. Just sit down with your parents or grandparents and press record — even a simple voice memo on your phone can become a priceless heirloom.
As a Boulder photographer specializing in family storytelling photography, this is exactly the kind of session I create for families who want a professional, lasting legacy film. A polished interview captures not only the stories but also the emotions, expressions, and voices that bring those memories to life.
But even if you don’t hire me, please don’t wait. Pull out your phone, ask a few questions, and start recording now. Every story matters, and future generations will thank you for preserving them.
Prompt with questions like:
- “What was your childhood home like?”
- “Tell me about your wedding day”
- “What’s something you learned the hard way?”
- “What’s your favorite memory with your kids?”
Don’t worry if it meanders — sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected tangents.
2. Use Video to Capture Expressions and Emotion
There’s something so special about seeing someone’s face light up when they remember something joyful, or tear up when they talk about someone they’ve lost. These nuances are hard to capture in just photos or audio.
That’s why I offer filmed Family Interview Sessions as part of my family storytelling photography in Boulder. These sessions are simple, relaxed conversations focused on storytelling — not performance. No stiff questions, no awkward spotlights, just real moments. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the raw, unfiltered parts are the most beautiful.
3. Include the Next Generation
Invite kids into the room. Their curiosity can unlock the most heartwarming exchanges. A grandchild asking, “What was Mom like when she was my age?” is almost guaranteed to produce an amazing story (and probably a few embarrassed giggles).
In my work as a Boulder-based family storytelling photographer, I’ve seen these cross-generational moments become the most cherished. They’re not just recordings — they’re bridges that connect children to their family history in a way photos alone never could.
4. Don’t Wait for a Special Occasion
It doesn’t have to be a milestone birthday or an anniversary. Every season brings a story worth remembering — quiet winter evenings by the fire, the chaos of holiday dinner, weekend chats over tea.
That’s why I encourage families here in Colorado to make recording stories a regular part of life. Whether through my professional family storytelling photography sessions in Boulder or a simple recording on your phone, the important thing is to start now. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Why These Stories Matter So Much
Your story matters. Your family’s story matters. There’s immeasurable power in being seen, heard, and remembered.
When I look through my grandmother’s photographs alongside the nearly 100 pages of memoirs and poems she left us, I’m reminded just how priceless these stories are. They’ve given my family more than just names and faces — they’ve given us context, belonging, and a connection to the people who came before us.
Without her words, many of those photos would just be mysteries. Instead, I can hear her describing her childhood home, laughing about a mischievous sibling, or reflecting on the love that carried her through hard seasons. The photos and stories together form a kind of map — one that shows us where we’ve come from, and in some ways, who we are.
As a photographer and filmmaker based near Boulder, I know how fleeting life can feel. Our kids grow up fast. Our parents age faster than we want to admit. But stories have staying power. They link who we were to who we’re becoming.
You deserve more than just posed portraits once a year. You deserve a way to remember the sound of your father’s laugh, the texture of your grandmother’s voice, the sparkle in your child’s eyes as they discover who their family really is.
These recordings and written words become more than keepsakes — they become gifts you’re passing down.
Ready to Preserve Your Legacy?
If your heart’s tugging at you right now, listen to it.
I know firsthand what a gift it is to have these stories preserved. My grandmother’s photos and nearly 100 pages of memoirs and poems have become treasures for our family — a living thread of history and belonging that continues to shape us. That’s what I want for you, too.
Whether you’re looking for a full Family Interview Session, a casual day-in-the-life photo/video combo, or just want guidance on how to start recording stories yourself, I’m here to help.
You can learn more about Heirloom Films & Photography here, or reach out directly to chat about what’s possible.
The stories are already inside you and your loved ones. Let’s make sure they’re never lost.