Record for Posterity | How I am Archiving Old Photos

As summer winds down and I start to look forward to my favorite season, I am also feeling quite nostalgic for the past; especially since I’ve been focusing on taking and printing photos lately. I’ve recently launched a new project in my spare time: scanning all my old photos-a record for posterity, if you will.

When I’m done with my measly bin of photos I hope to tackle my mom’s enormous collection of family photos as well. 

The process began slowly as I tried to figure out how to best archive each digital scan. I ended up making files based on person/activity/time frame. Mostly it’s (the system) is working for me. I’m also naming each photo based on people/places/dates as best I can. I’ve added tags for easy retrieval as well.

Here’s what my folder set up looks like.

Now that I have the folders set up and the tags pre-made, the scanning process is moving right along. I’ve been, and will continue, to work a couple of hours at a time each week.

I’m having more fun analyzing every photo once it’s in digital form; zooming in and examining, like this shot of me and my great-grandmother (whom I do not remember at all).

As I was examining each detail I noticed that she and I have the same sturdy, square hands (my hands now, not then-hahaha). We share the same square nails and thick knuckles. Fascinating, at least to me!

I found these photos among an album that my grandmother passed down to me; her as a young girl in her graduation cap and gown and another from a few months later at Christmas. She was so lovely and elegant.

This one of myself and great grandparents make me laugh. He looks so grumpy and not at all pleased to be holding me. Some might say they can see me in him, too.

I love projects like this when we begin to transition from the busy-ness of summer into the slower months of fall. Reflecting and analyzing our past in an effort to record for posterity brings with it a sweet nostalgic feeling; much like all the other things in fall: pumpkin, hot coffee, colorful mums, and settling in. And most of all, comfort.