Family gatherings are an ideal time to document family history. Before the next family event, record what you know about family members -- birth dates and birth places, married names and maiden names, spouses and other family members. This will help pinpoint any missing information.
* Think about the photos you'd like to take, and make a list of all the shots. Consider groupings of generations, such as all grandparents or grandparents with grandchildren. Try posing together siblings or cousins, or even those who share a common family name. For fun, arrange family members by age or height. Or, document milestones by photographing the oldest person, the youngest person or the family member who came the farthest.
* Plan to take your photos early in the day. Everyone will still be fresh and smiling, the kids will be clean and you won't risk running out of time.
* Don't underestimate the number of photos you'll take. If you're using a traditional camera, pack plenty of film. If you're using a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards. Consider including a few disposable cameras that can be passed around so you can gather everyone's perspective on the occasion.
* During the event, interview family members to fill in the missing blanks in your family survey. Ask about favorite childhood memories, family traditions and what they've accomplished since you last gathered. Be sure to record special family recipes, too.
* After the event, take steps to ensure that your family history is preserved for future generations. A downside to digital photography is that many amateur photographers do not realize that most computer printer inks are not moisture-resistant, and digital prints are more likely to smear, run and fade than traditional photos.
* To ensure long-lasting photo quality, archivists say you should protect images. That's why Krylon has introduced a spray-on digital photo and paper protectant called Preserve It!, which doubles the life of digital photos. Preserve It! protects digital images from early aging and makes them resistant to moisture and fading. Easy-to-use Preserve It!, available in matte and gloss finishes, dries quickly, and its clear formula will not alter the finished photos. The spray also extends the life of images printed on the highest quality paper with the highest quality ink, and works on traditional photos, too. Use it to protect the written family history you've recorded, as well.
* Finally, store your photos correctly. Do not display photos in direct sunlight and store them in a cool place, away from high humidity. Basements and attics are two of the worst places to store precious photos and other papers.
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***RECOMMENDED SITES***
For a free copy of Krylon's 20-page booklet, "101 Scrapbooking Ideas," call (800) 4-KRYLON (800-457-9566) and request Part #K-8468. Or visit the Krylon's Web site at www.krylon.com.
The Complete Book of Scrapbooking: Projects and Techniques (Click Here!)
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