Photography can help extend your memory of events, places, and feelings. Even technically and artistically inferior photographs can hold powerful meaning through their content.

You already know that a photograph of a family member or friend has a lasting value. But don't overlook the details in your life. Being alert for and photographing these details will provide you with precious memories of people, places, and experiences. I'll share a few of my memories, from photographs I've taken over the past twenty years in an attempt to remember.

Your World

The world we live in is full of details that come and go in a flash. Even simple images can say a lot about the community and culture you live in. I made these four photographs while walking through the visually rich community of Venice Beach. As my eye caught one detail, another would soon appear. In less than an hour I made dozens of photos like this. The street signs, storefront displays, and other details (no people) combined to describe the environment I was in.

Around the House

The things in your home say so much about you. The photograph above was taken in my parents' home. It's a disaster photographically and it won't mean anything to you. But to me these simple objects on the mantle bring a wealth of memories and family heritage. The weathered wooden box on the right reminds me of my ancestors living on the rough, windy plains of Alberta. As does the small wooden bowl that my grandfather made in his wood shop.

Your Experiences

Over the years I've spent a lot of time photographing various locations from my youth; schools, churches, neighborhoods. Life goes by quickly. Before you know it you're watching your own children scramble on the playgrounds you once played on.

The photograph above is a four-square court at Walt Disney Elementary School, which I attended as a child. As you start to look around for details like this, you'll often find that little has changed. But the longer you wait to document your memories, the greater the risk that things have changed beyond recognition.

This photograph was taken near my childhood home, in the creek where I would often sneak off to. Working on a personal project like this is a great bit of exercise for your vision. With no client to please, you are free to explore your creative side and take chances with composition and design.

And finally, a bit of history. I returned to this skating rink probably twenty-five years after the days of disco when it was the "cool" place to be. Not much had changed, other than the music. Now I have the proof.