Recording a child’s growth in a heartwarming keepsake
Storyteller: Gautier Pellegrin, Italy
Family photo books and albums are powerful ways to preserve memories that tell the story of your life. Often created with care and attention, these books become treasured keepsakes that capture moments you never want to forget. Explore the story behind one such family photo book - a personal collection of meaningful moments from Gautier's child's journey. With each image thoughtfully selected, this book serves as both a visual diary and a lasting reminder of moments spent together with family. Discover the inspiration behind this keepsake and perhaps find ideas for creating your own MILK Family Photo Book or Album.
Why did you create your keepsake?
There are very few things more precious than these memories to me, and taking the time to create a photo book allows me to go through all of them. Physically, it takes about a full day of work to make these photo books and try to present them in the best way possible. The act of making a photo book is as important as the photo book itself. It’s a declaration of love to spend that much time working on something. Once it’s done, the object becomes a permanent reminder of that work, and looking at it is always rather lovely. It forms the memory afterwards, takes the place of the memory, and then becomes the memory - a part of you. It’s kind of amazing.
What is your most-loved photo from your keepsake?
The cover image (also on page 11) is a classically perfect kind of picture. I could imagine this photo being taken by a famous photographer from the '90s or something.
What is your favorite story behind a single shot in the book?
I love the image on page 43 of my photo book. We were in an old castle ruin in Surrey and my son and wife were talking about 'House of the Dragon' in a very adult kind of way. It was a lot of fun to look at them going through this conversation.
What does your keepsake mean to you and your family?
It's become a sign of the passage of time for us mostly. Every time we pick it up, we realize how much our son has grown and how these moments are forever behind us - in both a nice and a sad way, I guess. It has become a very bittersweet although heartwarming keepsake we will love forever.
What inspires you to take photos in general?
It’s the way I relate comfortably to the world; I take away my camera and I kind of don’t know why I’m there in the first place. Photography gave me meaning and purpose.
What inspires you creatively?
Fashion and documentary photography is my go-to inspiration, I’m pretty much permanently plugged into photography streams online and in my own life.
What bit of advice would you offer to someone creating their own MILK memento?
I think it’s important to have an idea before you start and understand that less is usually better. Try saying or portraying what you mean with the least number of pictures possible and focusing on strong images first. Of course, you can leave in any for sentimental value, but highlighting your best photos ensures a high quality photo book result.
Thanks for having me, MILK!
Gautier's family photo book is a reminder of the beauty in those simple, fleeting moments we often overlook. A MILK Photo Book or Album is a perfect way to capture meaningful memories as your family grows. The act of slowing down and choosing the photos that tell your story and which memories are worth remembering is what really makes it a special heirloom for your family.
