Keep the Memories Alive

This week's article is written by Kristyn James-Fox.

Some of you know that I am a school teacher, so you can probably guess how much I needed this summer break after this past pandemic school year. Not only has this summer been relaxing and rejuvenating, but it’s been the first full summer of making memories with our premature daughter Jorryn. Two years ago, she had pneumonia, and we weren’t able to make a long-planned trip to my husband’s home state of West Virginia, and last summer was spent quarantined along with the rest of the world.

However, in just the past six weeks, our family has visited a relaxing resort, Jorryn has finally experienced the beauty of West Virginia, and we’ve all gotten plenty of pool time at home and away. But my favorite part was making and sharing memories.

At no time during the past few weeks have I wondered if I will remember this time. Because of my love of storytelling, I capture the moments with videos and pictures that can later tell the story. As summer fades to fall and one year turns into another, those images can share how much fun Jorryn had on her first vacation and how time away, especially with family, is good for the soul.

Keep the Memories Alive

Here are ways to keep the memories alive long after your vacation is over:

Become your own photographer: If you have a smartphone, chances are you have your hands on a state-of-the-art camera that can capture near professional-level images and video. Do you want to edit a picture or create a mini-movie with your video recordings? Most new cell phones come with editing apps already installed, and others are easily accessible.

Hire a photographer: When we went on our family vacation last month, my mom hired a photographer to take beautiful family portraits. When I had my intimate wedding in Charleston, SC, several years ago, we enlisted a local photographer just a day before the wedding to get before-ceremony shots. Many photographers can serve travelers as well as their loyal, local customers.

Point and shoot a traditional camera: If a traditional point and shoot camera is your preferred way to preserve the memory of your vacation, you are not alone. Disposable 35mm cameras (yes, even the waterproof ones) are still readily available and easy to develop at your local drug store. Or, if you are a photographer at heart, of course, you can pack up your camera and lenses and put your skills to practice.

Get a cruise, resort, or theme park package: Cruises and many resorts and theme parks have portrait packages. Cruise lines help your memories last by offering photo sessions and impromptu photography from excursions and ship activities. Many resorts do the same. Theme and amusement parks realize that visitors to the parks want images with characters or in front of extraordinary rides and attractions. Each of the Disney parks offers tiered photography packages in addition to the admission.

There is nothing more rewarding in life than to watch a person’s reaction when they pull out photos they haven’t seen in years. Try it! Tell us, how do you capture memories from your vacation.