Journalling

Why Scrapbook those photos if you are not going to journal? Why bother putting in the effort and ensuring everything is Acid-Free to last for generations if no one knows what they are looking at?

Journalling is important. As a minimum it should tell the viewer who is in the photos and when they were taken. People should be also able to view your work and know what they are looking at, without you having to give a running commentary.

The basics are Who, What, Where, When and Why. It may seem really hard at the start, but eventually you'll do it without thinking! The amount and content of the journalling is also dependent upon the purpose of the album. If it is for yourself you might just want the basics and perhaps some interesting or funny stories behind the photos. But also think about the generations to come that might view your album. What would you like to have known about your great-grandmother or father? If you are using the photos to tell a story then the journalling can probably be minimal. Likewise, a page with just 1 photo may dedicate a considerable amount of space to the story behind the picture.

One way of journalling is to show the photos to someone. Make a note (or record) what you tell them about the photos. This can become your journalling. And your handwriting can become a treasured memory itself so don't always reach for the computer!

Here are some of our sample pages and their journalling with extra comments.

	My Grandpa We have a special bond. My Grandpa adored me the moment he looked into my eyes (we had about the same amount of hair!). I took a bit longer to figure him out but now I call him 'pa'. Taylor at 2 hours and 3 weeks
	Comments: My son and his Pa have a really special bond and I was trying to convey this in my journalling. It is the only time I saw my father-in-law get teary was when he held his first grandson and I think the pictures convey this. Re-looking at this page I could probably add more journalling!!
	Meow Ruby & Max Some call them spoilt cats, but to us they are just our babies!! Ruby (ginger and white female) is definitely the boss but Max (black male) is just a big softie! March 2002
	Comments: Before I had children, I had my cats (and still do). I love this page now but I'm sure in the future I'll treasure this page and it will bring back fond memories of my cats.
	Summer Jason (top) and Daniel (bottom) having fun on their new slippery slide christmas present December 2002
	Comments: Simple journalling of who and when but it conveys the important details.

	School Days Daniel's first day of School Mum was very sad to see off her baby boy. But Daniel was very happy to finally be starting school. And he loved his new uniform. Mitcham Primary School Prep D January 2002
	Comments: A treasured memory of Daniel's First Day of School. Has the facts and a story.
	Birthday Andrew's 21st Birthday Party Andrew came as Clint Eastwood & Kate was Jeannie. The 'key' cake was made by mum. Andrew's sisters made appearances as Cyndi Lauper & Supergirl. It was the 80's! A great night! September 1984
	Comments: Ahh, the early 80's ("Kate" hates these photos!!). This page could say so much more and include many more photos but unfortunately there weren't any!

Here's a great link to get you inspired!

So go on now, journal those pages. Your great-grandchildren will thank you!