Milestone moments and how to capture them

There are some peak life experiences that will remain etched in your memory forever – like the birth of your first child or the day you said ‘I do’ to the love of your life.

These are the milestone moments you are most likely to have hanging in your hallway. Your daughter’s smiling face, wearing her crisp new uniform on her first day of school. The gap-toothed grin of your son after losing his front teeth. The day you graduated from university.

But it takes a bit more effort in this digital age to make sure those images make it to an album or wall, and are not left to languish on a hard drive.

Top milestone moments to capture

Even the most basic smartphones have a fairly good camera these days, so there will likely be a recording device close to hand, but it may be worthwhile investing in a professional photographer if you want quality images that capture a special day’s emotions.

Some milestone moments you may want to capture include:

Marriage

Take some time to find a photographer you are comfortable with so that you get some natural shots as well as the formal portraits.

Starting a family

While your first-born’s first year is usually documented in detail, subsequent siblings tend to get a lesser share of the photographic record. Make sure you pull out the camera to capture milestones such as each baby’s birth, homecoming, first smile, first tooth and first taste of solid food. Set your phone’s camera to video for clips of those first words and first steps; you’ll treasure the footage forever.

Children’s achievements

Once the baby years are past you’ll want to record those first days at school, first wobbly bike rides without trainer wheels, academic and sporting achievements, as well as birthdays, Christmases and special family moments.

How to display your precious memories

Frames

Handpick the best of your photographs to display around your home. Choosing one wall to display your family memories, perhaps in matching frames, helps reduce clutter and can be a great way to document your family story.

Photo albums

Make sure you choose an album with acid free paper to avoid your photos yellowing with age. Traditional photo albums or scrapbooks leave room for you to get creative and add extra details, like locks of hair and other keepsakes. Try to write a few words – even if it is just the date and occasion – as these details may be forgotten over time.

Photo books

This is an easy alternative to a traditional photo album that you can create using an online photo album site. Simply upload images from your phone or camera to create an album – you might like to have one printed for each year, or to mark special events. You can invite close friends and family to access your albums and print their own copies if they wish.

Canvas, calendars and cards

Once you’ve selected the perfect snap, most photo album sites will allow you to order canvas prints to display in your home, alongside other items such as calendars, coffee mugs and cards that make great gifts for family and friends.

And, don’t forget, many of life’s milestones – like marriage and starting a family – warrant a review of your Life Insurance needs. Call NobleOak on 1300 041 494 if you would like to obtain a quote.