Old photos can make an interview easier by providing something concrete to discuss. They should prompt the narrator's memory rather than supply answers for them.
A practical way to begin
Choose a small number of images and keep a stable identifier for each one.
Ask what the person notices before telling them your interpretation.
Follow details about people, places, events or what happened outside the frame.
Record which image was being discussed and note any uncertain identifications.
For example
A photograph of a picnic might lead to a story about the journey, the food or the relative who always arrived late.
What to avoid
Avoid insisting that the photograph proves one version of an event. Memory and images each show only part of the story.
Should I keep the original material?
Yes. Keep an untouched source and work with copies. A finished album, transcript or edited video serves a different purpose from the original material. Check that your saved copies open, and keep important context such as names and dates alongside them.
Related family guides
A personal keepsake, if it fits your plans
If a short personal voice message fits the occasion, you can explore the Record-a-Message Christmas Tree. Choose the words with the speaker and keep any longer recordings separately.
