We all want to hold onto precious memories, and photos are a fantastic way to do just that. But sometimes, snapping that perfect picture in the midst of an event can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow memory keepers! Here are some creative strategies to ensure you have a treasure trove of memory keeping photos to document your life’s adventures:

1. Enlist the Help of Your Crew: It’s a Memory-Making Team Effort!

Capturing genuine moments often means being present and enjoying yourself in the flow of an event. That’s where your amazing friends and family come in! They can be your secret weapons for getting those candid, heartfelt photos you’ll cherish forever. Here are some ways to turn them into your memory-keeping partners:

• Gentle Reminders: At the beginning of an event, casually announce that you’d love a group picture for your scrapbook. This friendly nudge puts the idea on everyone’s radar and encourages them to be present for the photo opportunity.
• Strike While the Iron’s Hot: Here’s a pro tip: Aim to capture the group shot early in the event. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that people may disperse or become less enthusiastic (especially if the “fun juice” starts flowing!).
• Negotiate Like a Pro: Let’s be honest, not everyone loves being photographed. But sometimes, a little negotiation can go a long way!
  • Offer Choices: “Would you prefer to take a quick photo now, or later when everyone’s full and maybe a little sleepy?”
  • Address Concerns: Some people are self-conscious about ending up in unflattering photos online. Reassure them, “This is for my personal scrapbook, not Instagram. It’s all about preserving these memories for ourselves.”
  • Highlight the Importance: Share a personal story, like a loved one who passed away unexpectedly. Explain how grateful you are for the photos you have of them. This can help people understand the emotional value of capturing these moments.

By turning your friends and family into memory-making partners, you’ll not only get more photos, but you’ll also create a sense of shared responsibility for preserving these precious experiences. Who knows, you might even inspire them to start their own memory-keeping journeys!

2. Sharing the Love: Leverage Technology with Shared Albums

Digital tools are a memory keeper’s best friend! Google Photos is a lifesaver for me, thanks to its fantastic sharing features. Here are some ways I utilize it:

• Shared Folders for Big Events: For large gatherings, create a shared Google Photos folder and encourage everyone to contribute their captures. This ensures you get a well-rounded perspective of the event. You can easily invite people with their gmail to folders. If you’re on vacation with friends look at the photos you get over the trip while on the trip. I find this encourages people that don’t usually take pictures to start to be apart of the fun.
  • Quick How To:
  • Creating a Shared Folder: Open Google Photos and tap the “+” icon in the bottom right corner. Select “Folder” and give it a descriptive name like “Family Reunion 2024” or “John’s Birthday Bash.”
  • Inviting People: Tap the “Share” icon and select “Add people & links.” Enter the email addresses of everyone you want to contribute (they’ll need a Google account). You can also choose “Anyone with the link can view” if you prefer a more open approach.

• Wedding Photo Bonanza: Take it a step further! Create a shared folder before a large event and share out the QR code on a small paper. At my wedding, I included a QR code on each guest’s seat, linking them directly to the shared album. This resulted in a beautiful collection of photos from various angles, capturing the joy from everyone’s perspective.
  • To build a QR code there are hundreds of free QR code generators online. Such as https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/ to name one.

3. Instant Gratification: Embrace the Power of Instant Cameras

If you find your friends and family never actually take pictures I suggest getting a Polaroid camera or disposable cameras. Something about these vintage memory captures that makes people snap away. I always get the cutest candid photos with these. There’s something undeniably fun about the tangible results and the anticipation of capturing those fleeting moments. These cameras also tend to encourage more candid snaps, leading to some of the most precious photos in my collection.

Purchase the same polaroid camera I’ve used for years here:

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. However, all of the products I recommend are ones that I have personally used and loved.

Check out my polaroid scrapbook page where I used all my polaroid photos from an event

4. Pay it Forward: Photo Booth Karma

Fun events often have adorable photo booths or backdrops made specifically for capturing memory keeping photos. Here’s a pro tip: offer to take a picture for another group first! People appreciate the gesture, especially when they understand the memory-keeping struggle. It creates a positive atmosphere and usually leads to them returning the favor, ensuring you get that perfect group shot.

5. The Mighty Tripod: Your New Best Friend on Adventures

Tripods have come a long way, baby! Gone are the bulky setups. Today’s options often include flexible phone mounts, perfect for capturing those epic group shots on adventures. On my last hike, a small, flexible tripod wrapped around a tree saved the day. With a handy Bluetooth shutter button, I no longer had to scramble back into the frame after setting the timer. Genius!

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. However, all of the products I recommend are ones that I have personally used and loved.

6. Don’t Underestimate the Selfie: A Classic for a Reason

Selfies get a bad rap sometimes, but let’s be honest – they’re fantastic for capturing those moments of pure joy and togetherness. Plus, you can see exactly how the picture will turn out. Don’t underestimate the power of a good selfie, even after the event! Sometimes, a quick post-event selfie with your crew is all you need to jog your memory and bring back a flood of emotions.

By incorporating these creative strategies, you’ll be well on your way to capturing a wealth of memory keeping photos that will bring your memories to life for years to come. So grab your phone, enlist your friends, and start documenting those beautiful moments!