A Picture Is Only Worth a Thousand Words If It Tells a Story

J&M sunglasses

Sometimes I wish I could remember the story behind a picture. As I was searching for a photograph of my toddler daughter and her grandfather for my July 1 post, I came across this picture of my children from about that same year.

The photo made me laugh, and I decided it deserved its own post. But I have no memory of what inspired the pose.

When my daughter was organizing the pictures of her childhood, we labeled this roll of film “Summer 1988.”

My son was going through a Beach Boys and Beatles stage that year. He could lip sync every song from both groups. (He probably still can.)

But in this picture, he looks more like Elvis. I don’t recall him having an Elvis fixation.

My daughter tagged along on everything her big brother did. But she seems more impressed with her new sunglasses than with showing a ’tude like he does. I remember them having these sunglasses, but I have no idea where the bonnet came from.

Beyond these measly recollections, I can’t tell you the story behind the picture.

So just enjoy the photo, as I do. And make up your own story for what these kids were doing.

Do you have pictures whose stories you have forgotten?

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danezeller
12 years ago

Hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds, Theresa. All it would have taken was a little note on the back. A lesson for us today.

Theresa Hupp
12 years ago
Reply to  danezeller

Dane,
But how do we put notes on the back of our digital photos these days?
Thanks for reading,
Theresa

danezeller
12 years ago
Reply to  Theresa Hupp

Easy. Carry a whiteboard and dry erase marker with you at all times. When you take a picture, include a sign, like: “Dane, accepting the Pulitzer Prize in Chicago. Dec. ’13.”

writebraintrust
12 years ago

Thousands of photos of unidentifiable relatives probably. Suppose this is where my new interest in fiction might come in handy. lol Your photo reminds me of my big brother who appointed himself as my protector. I think he might have placed me in a plastic dome, if he could have. “Beware of Johnny,” his eyes threatened all other boys. Thanks for the memory.

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