reliving memories

Last week I ordered some canvas prints of my favourite photos from my wedding. And today, joy of joys, they arrived! And apart from one small blemish, I'm really pleased with them, they look great! Printing them on canvas has given them a real depth and texture that doesn't quite come through behind glass and a frame. I'm not against photos in frames at all - and in fact have a couple in mind for that purpose as well! - but I chose these photos specifically for canvas because of the 'moment'.

The pictures (thanks to my supercalafrickinawesome photographer) captured special moments in time, and when I look at them, it takes me straight back to that moment. I remember how I was feeling, what my surroundings were like, the whole context.

I think this is why I've gravitated towards photography all of my life, and particularly lately with my new camera. Apart from the fact that my memory seems to be structured to be very alive in the here and now rather than vividly remembering things without prompts, photos always transport me straight back to the time and place that the moment was captured. It enables me to relive that time in my life, and releases other memories that weren't captured by the lens but are stored away deep in the vault, er... I mean, my memory.

Most of these memories are very happy - obviously the wedding photos remind me how incredibly happy I was all day, and how lucky I felt to be marrying the most wonderful man and share that with my family and friends. But some are sad, some are regretful, some make me angry, and some make me wistful. But these emotions, like the images, are reflective of the moment, and being able to relive them makes me feel alive.

I love looking at other people's photos, things like holidays, birthdays and of course especially weddings (I stalk my photographer's website for updates!), because photos have that special ability to communicate the context - the emotions and surroundings, the people, the vibe - even when you don't have a memory to accompany it. It's like a blank canvas (pardon the pun) that you can make your own inferences about, ascribe your own meanings and understandings of the moment. Which is a lot of fun!

But being able to trigger real memories of a moment, and everything that surrounded it, is the true power of photography. This is the power of photos for me, the story that they can tell about the moment they've captured, helping you to relive significant (and sometimes everyday) moments in your life, and treasure those memories. Every time I look at these canvases, I know I'll remember the moment they've captured as vividly as if it happened yesterday.

All they need now is a hook and some wall space...