Family memories made by the beach
Storyteller: Kate Hawkings, New Zealand
Photo books and albums have the extraordinary power to preserve memories and tell stories. As a way to honor her family and the place that has shaped so many of their memories, Kate chose to create a special keepsake - a Premium Photo Book - filled with photos that cherish the beauty of Ripiro and the people she loves most. Learn more about the process of crafting her family photo book, sharing the inspiration behind the image choices and photos she took, and the emotional stories behind her photography on her family trip.
What format did you choose to create your keepsake and why?
I chose to create a Large Portrait Premium Photo Book because I wanted it to feel like a substantial coffee-table book that my parents could proudly display in their soon-to-be renovated home. The format provided a timeless and classic way to artistically showcase the photos I’ve taken over the years in and around Ripiro.
Why did you create your keepsake?
I created this keepsake as a Christmas gift for my parents. I wanted to give them something meaningful that would beautifully preserve our memories. Beyond that, it also served as a way to document my photography - capturing the essence of Ripiro forever.
What image do you love most from your keepsake?
One of my favourite photos is of my dad driving past me in our old, beat-up silver ute, a vehicle that’s been with us for over 20 years and is now only used on the beach. Paired with this image is a close-up of the worn-down steering wheel, which really shows just how well-loved the ute has been. I love how the photo captures both him and the ute in their element, perfectly reflecting their long history together.
What is a beloved story behind a single shot in the book?
The story behind our makeshift beach-sled is a perfect example of my mum’s resourcefulness. A large buoy washed up on the beach, and my mum, who has always had a habit of picking up treasures from the shore must have seen some potential in it. She decided it would make a perfect DIY egg chair to hang from a tree, if we just cut out a piece of it from the side. The cut-out piece became the base for a makeshift beach-sled, and with the addition of a bit of old rope, it quickly became a well-loved source of fun for the kids (and a great workout for the adults).
What does your keepsake mean to you and your family?
We are a family that have always taken photos from film to digital and have never had a way to properly display them, once we have taken them, we store them away never to be seen. This will be one unique treasure that we will be able to share with our friends and family, now and for generations to come.
What inspires you to take photos in general?
When I’m exploring, I love capturing the small details (especially around people & places that mean a lot to me)—the scenery, the laughter, the textures, and the peaceful moments that often go unnoticed or are taken for granted. I enjoy documenting these things, editing them, and seeing if they can transform into something truly special.
What inspires you creatively?
Creatively I love to play and find what works as I'm going; with my book I was inspired by art books and creating layouts in pairs that complimented each other and told a story together.
What bit of advice would you offer to someone creating their own MILK memento?
Take your time to curate and design the book. A thoughtfully crafted layout with purposefully chosen images will create a harmonious flow of images that complement each other nicely. Revisit your work after a break with fresh eyes to refine the details and ensure the final result feels cohesive, meaningful, and reflective of the story you want to tell.
Creating a family keepsake much like Kate's photo book is more than just putting images together - it's a delicate time to preserve memories in special places, reflecting on the past, and creating a meaningful gift for loved ones. The timeless nature of such a memento ensures that future generations can enjoy and connect with the stories captured through the lens. Whether you're crafting a personal gift or documenting a cherished place, taking the time to thoughtfully curate and design your photo book or album will create something truly special for any milestone or significant moment that’s worth preserving. Start creating your family heirloom or keepsake piece in the MILK Design Studio.
