How the photos you take now might bring comfort later

Some days, the world feels a little heavier than others. I find myself wanting to hear my mom’s voice, to feel her presence, to hear her laugh, or to see her smile that made everything feel okay. On days like these, I do the only thing that really helps…

I look at the few photos and videos of her that I have.

My mom was never one to love being in front of the camera. She’d often brush off a photo request or wave her hand, saying it wasn’t necessary. So many of the photos I have of her now weren’t exactly planned; they were moments I captured candidly or without her knowing. Sometimes, I’d manage to snap a quick picture before she even realized it, capturing her in moments that felt so real, so purely her. Now, I am so grateful for every one of those photos.

Each photo I have is a piece of her that I get to keep. When I look at them, I feel her presence, I hear her laugh, I remember exactly how she’d react to the smallest things… (even when I didn’t like it 😂). For just a moment, it feels like she’s still here. Those photos have become my lifeline, a way to hold onto the parts of her that meant the most to me. On hard days, they’re what bring me comfort. I can’t help but think about how meaningful these little snapshots of time are—not only for me but for anyone who misses a loved one.

As a photographer, I understand this importance of capturing memories on a different level now. It’s not just about taking a beautiful picture—it’s about creating something that will offer comfort, joy, or a sense of connection when it’s needed most. Photos become more than just images; they become a legacy, a gift we leave behind for our loved ones. They’re reminders of our shared moments, our laughter, and our love, even when we’re no longer there to share them in person.

And this isn’t something that requires a professional camera or a staged photoshoot. It’s in the everyday photos too—the unposed moments captured with our phones, the little glimpses of life that are raw and real. These are the photos we often overlook, but they carry so much weight because they capture life as it truly was.

One thing I’ve learned is how important it is to step outside of ourselves and capture these moments, even when we might not feel like being in the photo. Take the photo of yourself, take the candid shots of the people you love. Someday, those images might mean the world to someone else. And don’t let them just sit on your phone—print them, hold them in your hands, keep them close. Photos that exist in the physical world somehow feel more permanent; they become tangible keepsakes, memories you can always touch, see, and remember.

So, whether it’s a special occasion or an ordinary moment, take the photo. Capture the memories, hold them close, and don’t underestimate their power. They may become exactly what someone needs to get through a rough day in the future.