Family memories captured in a treasured birthday gift
Storyteller: PJ Venneman, New Zealand
There are many moments we yearn to hold on to – moments that encapsulate joy, togetherness and growth of our families. For PJ, one such moment came with the celebration of his wife’s 35th birthday. This resulted in a heartwarming tribute to his daughter, Thomasin, in an archival photo book to be gifted to his wife.
What format did you choose to create your keepsake and why?
I chose an archival quality, Premium Photo Book.
I wanted something that would last lifetimes, something that could be passed down.
Why did you create your keepsake?
I created the book for my wife’s birthday. On a birthday, we can sometimes look back and wonder where the year went, and what we did with it. For my wife’s 35th birthday, I decided to present 35 portraits of our young daughter, to show how she has grown throughout the year. I want to remind my wife that the year has been well spent on raising a beautiful, thriving girl.
What does your keepsake mean to you and your loved ones?
It will mean a lot, for the rest of our lives, because we will look back on it in 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and continue to be amazed at how Thommy is growing.
What inspires you to take photos in general?
I am almost always looking at my surroundings and putting things in a 3 x 2 frame in my mind.
I love things that are a bit unusual. I am inspired by colors and faces.
What inspires you creatively?
I am motivated to capture moments in time, to preserve them and enjoy them and remember them. Things seem to move more quickly as I get older, so photography is an opportunity to slow down and meditate on a moment, which is why I capture pictures of my daughter so much.
What bit of advice would you offer to someone creating their own MILK memento?
I would encourage people to avoid clutter on the page and embrace more blank space.
Let your images be distinct and fill the page with its own emotional value.
As we celebrate various family milestones like new homes and birthdays, we create many memories we want to keep and look back on. What better way to do that than with a family photo book? PJ crafted a MILK Photo Book for his wife - doubling as a cherished family heirloom that can be flipped through as the years go by. Let this stunning keepsake inspire you to create your own family photo book, album, or yearbook that you and your loved ones can treasure for generations.
