Photography is very near and dear to me. I have taken a couple of photography classes and advanced my education on the subject, but I’ve no claim to fame and I would never say I was close to being a professional. I’ve been happy with most of my camera work and downright proud of some of it. I never aimed to be a professional, but I wanted to do the best I could, capturing images around me during my lifetime.
My children grew up in a home where you could expect to be photographed almost anywhere at any time (other than inappropriate times). Their friends also became familiar with my camera and me. My mother’s father was the family photographer during his lifetime. I have a picture of him pointing his camera into the mantel mirror, showing a reflection of himself with his camera. He took a selfie! He was ahead of his time, as he was in many areas. It is almost unbelievable the number of photographs I inherited from my family, and why so many had to be duplicated, I do not know. I will admit that I do not dispose of pictures unless they are defective, not even if I don’t know the person in the picture. Just a quirk of mine, I guess. Someone took the time and caring to take a picture of someone. Throwing away a picture feels as if I was throwing away a piece of their life.
I have old photo albums from family, several belonging to my mother. I don’t even know the names of most of the people, but they are so interesting in their attire and pose. I wish I did know the stories belonging to the images I see. Those pictures would not be available for me to admire had they not been close to my mother’s heart at one time. My mother passed away at the young age of 56. It might never have occurred, but I wish we had gathered the information for all the photos acquired so their history might be passed down. After I inherited so many pictures, I took the time to write descriptions on all of my own photos and those older ones of family I recognized from the past. This might be a good project for those readers storing boxes of photos up on that closet shelf.
I accumulated enough of my photography, school pictures, sports, dance … you name it, to assemble a scrapbook for each of my three children, reminiscing their lives throughout childhood. Each loved their gift and I was able to clear out some of my stash!
A long time ago, I read in a decorating magazine an idea for small spaces, such as a small half bath. They had hung old photos in a pleasant design. Their comment was, “If you don’t have enough of your own photos to design such a display, pick up some old pictures at the thrift or antique stores around. No one will know you have no knowledge of their identity.” I thought that idea absolutely hilarious. You could even weave your own tales about these strangers. Ha!
Recently, I met a friend at the Goodwill store. We were making our rounds when she mentioned there were some frames for sale with photos still inside, which immediately caught my attention. Over to the frames we went. There we found a wedding picture and a kitchen scene photo from the early ’50s. Another picture I believe to have been taken in Europe, judging from a license plate, from the early 1984 era. Dates were noted on snapshot backs. I think my friend thought I was nuts, but I loved them and I purchased them. I told the cashier that I felt sorry for the people in the pictures. When she asked why, I told her it was sad they were being thrown away! I may not know the people in these pictures and I’m not sure if or where they will be displayed, but they have a home with my collection!
Jimmie Batchelor is retired from Henry County Senior Services in Stockbridge, where she managed Hidden Valley Senior Center and resided for 38 years. She uses her newfound time writing and enjoying life!
