Monday, May 9, 2011

The Story Teller


Several years ago I was fortunate to have been given all of my family's old slides and 35mm film reels. My dad always seemed to have a camera in hand and took the majority of the pictures including this one of me when I was about two years old. What amazes me about this picture is apparently even at that age, I was a story teller and loved to write and I guess you could say I was ahead of my time because I was already blogging way back in 1959!

The other thing that amazes me is the way in which my dad was able to "see" good composition and capture images of what he loved and was such a natural at photography, I like to think that in his own way he too was a story teller. To this day, because of his love of photography and artistic ability and the fact that he gave me my first camera I have a genuine love for photography as well. I'm not sure I'll ever be as good as he is but I love it nonetheless. 


my dad in about 1959...what a sharp guy!

I still have the very first camera that my dad gave me; a Haminex 35 MM with all the accessory lenses and pieces that went with it. I don't use it anymore but could never part with it simply because of the memories it holds, it was my dad's camera then mine. 


Some of the pictures he took date back to the 1950's and are in really good condition considering their age (I'll bet like me, there are a few of us that can relate to that statement!)


Recently I've been going through the old slides that my dad took which are still  in the old metal "magazines" they've been stored in. I literally have to pull them out with a pair of pliers, no easy feat but I suspect this method of archiving is why most of the slides are in pristine condition like the photo above taken in about 1959....see even back then I wouldn't wear a bikini on the beach! 



My grand plan; to print the pictures and slides that are worthy of framing and do a "memory wall" similar to what I did here with a collection of old B&W family photos in our family room. 
Below are just a few of the pictures my dad took that I can't wait to frame...a couple of them will be used in a Metamorphosis Monday as a DIY project. Here's a hint; I still have this little Aqua Cowgirl outfit which will be used in the project! I sure wish I had that cute one my brother Larry is wearing...




So that's the story of the "Story Teller", my dad and pictures such cherished memories for me. Maybe this might inspire some of you to do the same, sorting, organizing and printing some of your old pictures and slides so your story can be told too...




11 comments:

  1. Terry, I'm impressed that you have the first camera and that darling cowgirl outfit. Can't wait to see what you have to share. ;-) ~ Sarah

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  2. Hello sweet friend!!! You have been on my mind lately and I was so glad to see you pop up! I couldn't believe you remembered me spraining my ankle on Mother's Day last year! You are the best! How are you doing?

    Those pictures are wonderful and your dad is one handsome fellow! I can't get over the quality of the pictures even though they have been stored for so long. You and the cowgirl outfit are priceless!

    We are very much alike in so many ways! I hope you are well!

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  3. What a sweet post. Loved seeing all the old photos. What a cutie pie you are! And your Dad really did have a gift with photography. I'm like you, I love photography but wish I had the dedication to learn more about my camera. I feel like I'm wasting half of it's potential because I won't take the time to study it!
    Hope you have a wonderful week, Terry!

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  4. so adorable. When my grandmother sold her house she was entering into dementia and she and my mother decided none of the 'old' films and pictures would be anything anyone would want so they went into the garbage dump. Can you imagine? I have grieved over those old reel to reel movies and films. I love the old pictures, no they are not as nicely cropped as the new but they are telling a story ... a legacy to pass on. It is awesome and I miss the old cardboard shoe box full of pictures.

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  5. Wow- Your Dad was a handsome man!! I love that he was a sotry teller- I think a story told through pictures is worth a thousand words! MyHero was always a picture taker too-we have hundred upon hundreds of photos he took. A few years ago I divided them all down into albums for each of the kids and kept some of my favorites. It is always fun to revisit them. I think the gallery wall idea you have is a really cool idea! Love it all-you old cowgirl you- xxoo Diana

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  6. What a sweet post! I have a few old camera's that belonged to my father.
    It's so nice that you are taking good care of everything. What a piece of history!

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  7. I tried posting yesterday, blogger land was down. I showed this to daddy, he very much remembers taking that picture of you and it is one of his favorites. Yes, you definitely have a way with words.
    Hope you are enjoying your friday, it's my survivor quartet luncheon (and wine) day.
    Love, NV Bonus Mom

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  8. Oh Terry, I just had to take time out of my lunch hour to give you a comment! These slide/pictures are just adorable. Those western outfits are to die for!

    The slide do turn into fresh and new pictures as my mother in law did the same thing. I am sure you will come up with something great and your father would be so touched!

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  9. aww! I loved this post...and the photos are magnificent! Truly treasured pieces! Hi, Im Meme from Screaming Meme. I want to personally invite you to my chalk paint giveaway! Hope you get a chance to stop by!

    Meme

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  10. Terry,
    Gotta love those 'white sidewall tires' on the old buick. My Dad's was a '56 Ford; same tires :) And yes, I was a cowgirl too (Annie Oakley every Saturday morning)
    You definitely have your Dad's talent for photography. I see it in all your posts.

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