I've seen several photographers on 365 shoot this idea and I really liked it. I believe it's called, "Dear Photograph" and the idea is to return to a picture's original setting and reshoot the picture incorporating the old photo into the new photo. So, I've been waiting for a reason to return to the town I grew up in (Caldwell, New Jersey). It happened today as I had a dentist appointment. I remember as a child being a little tentative about school. I was slightly awkward, definitely shy, but loved to read and draw. I think I came into my own when the librarian discovered I'd written my own picture books and told me I could put them into circulation. It was so exciting to see people checking out my books! The photo here features myself (first child on the left), one of my sisters and six of my cousins along with my grandmother (far left) and the principal (far right). This photo appeared in the local paper to celebrate the fact that we had a "Hamilton" in every grade in Washington School. In fact, we did it two years in a row! We also repeated history several decades later when two of the cousins in this picture, plus one other, had their children in the same school. On the outside, the school hasn't changed much, but I'm certain the inside has, although I didn't go inside to see. But as I was getting into the car, the bell rang, bringing memories of racing out the door, crossing the street and walking home with books and homework in hand, all those years ago. Of course, then I had to drive by the house I grew up in too!
@digitalrn Definitely Rick- there are some things in life that are powerful that way- knick knacks or souvenirs, sounds, smells, even songs. They immediately put you in another place. @cdford Thanks Cindy. I pleased with it as I forgot to bring my glasses along with me to get the picture lined up and take the shot!
Fabulous! Isn't it so anazing how sights and sounds can stir those memories. Have you seen the website that someone posted about doing this? I tried this, but it didn't turn out, so I'll try again.
@annaruth In some cases- like this one, yes! In fact it was your photo that inspired me to attempt it myself. You had a picture of the house you grew up in and I thought I'd do the same, but I hadn't dug out a photo of the house so I ended up doing the school thing. I'm glad I did- I really had fun doing it at the school.
@mrssmith Thanks Carla (I was actually thinking of you and a few others who started school today as I was taking the picture!). I didn't know there was a website. I'll have to see if I can find it. It definitely was a fun thing to do.
@httpgeffed Thank you so much Colleen. It took me about a dozen shots to get the hang of it. At first I took them in b&w, but the effect was so much better with the b&w against the color. I think you'll be able to do a great job.
@marysybel Go for it Mary! The only ones that I have seen are from the US, but it would be interesting to see it in a different country as well. I was inspired to try it when I saw @annaruth's (Anna Coffey) picture of the home she grew up in and decided I'd try it myself. It's a little tricky holding the photo and taking the photo at the same time, but I'm pleased with the outcome. Looking forward to seeing your version!
@httpgeffed I think the key is to pick something with simple lines that are easier to match. For example- the school is pretty straight forward as far as a building goes- straight lines, no arches or fancy statues. What struck me the most about this was how much the trees had grown!
FAV! WOW! I have been wanting to do this, but was not sure which photo to use,but I think I have it now and could even end up trying it today if I go "back home" to DaltonGA as I plan to. I love how you used the b and w and the color. And the story about why you were in the photo?! Wow! I loved this!
@jmj Thanks Jennifer! The trick with these photos is to find something that still looks similar to your photo. I was thinking that I'd do a shot of the house I grew up in, but didn't have time to pull out pictures, so I went with the school shot. I still thought it would be fun to drive past the house, but boy was I in for a shock! It looks nothing like the house I grew up in. I'm hoping to do a then and now collage in the future as I did take a shot of it anyway. My goodness though- my heart sunk at how different it looked. Thankfully I have good memories that can't be changed or taken away! But it really is a fun challenge to match an old photo against the present.
What a wonderful story and great capture of the school then and now. I am amused by the fact that you are all - including your grandmother - in sensible shoes but the head teacher is in heels. Thank you for prompting me over here for a look at the concept of the Dear photograph series which I inadvertently emulated.
@cdford Thanks Cindy. I pleased with it as I forgot to bring my glasses along with me to get the picture lined up and take the shot!