MY BACKGROUND
MY BACKGROUND
MY BACKGROUND
MY BACKGROUND
MY BACKGROUND
PHOTOBOOK MEMOIRS
Celebrating your life in words and pictures
Photobook Memoirs are bespoke, documentary-style books that blend photography with quotes and anecdotes to capture a person’s life, presence, and character. Each book is a thoughtfully designed keepsake, preserving moments and memories for family and future generations.
Shaped through conversation and observation, every Photobook Memoir is unique — some are image-led, others more text-based, and many sit somewhere in between. Rather than a complete life story, each book brings together personal memories, reflections, and anecdotes, creating a meaningful and lasting keepsake.
THE PROCESS
The process is designed to feel unrushed and comfortable.
Interview
We begin with a relaxed, recorded interview in your home. This is a guided conversation rather than a formal interview, allowing memories, anecdotes and reflections to unfold naturally. Extended and Heritage Memoirs include additional interview time, allowing us to explore your life and stories in greater depth.
Photography
A documentary-style photo session takes place in your home and everyday surroundings. Working in a familiar environment allows for natural, unforced photographs that reflect who you are and the details of everyday life.
Family photographs
For Extended and Heritage Memoirs, we spend time together selecting photographs from your collection. These are professionally scanned and carefully incorporated into the book alongside your contemporary photographs and stories.
Editing and design
After the sessions, I transcribe and edit the interview material, selecting quotes, anecdotes and stories that bring the narrative to life. I also select and edit the photographs, then bring the words and images together through the sequencing and design of the book as a whole.
'It's become a family heirloom.' Cath O'Brien
'I was enjoying myself so much I forgot she was taking photographs. Karen really made me feel at ease.' John O'Brien
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Every Photobook Memoir includes:
-
Recorded interview sessions
-
Documentary-style photography
-
Transcription and editing of interview material
-
Selection and editing of photographs
-
Narrative development, sequencing and book design
-
Two professionally printed and bound premium lay-flat hardback book
Extended and Heritage Memoirs also include the selection and professional scanning of photographs from your collection.
Interview time, the number of archival photographs and the length of the finished book vary according to the package you choose.
INVESTMENT
From NZD $2,400
Three Photobook Memoir options are available, ranging from an image-led contemporary portrait to more extensive life stories incorporating family photographs and archival material.
Click here for PRICING & OPTIONS
ADDITIONAL COPIES AND OPTIONS
Every Photobook Memoir package includes two finished books. Additional copies can be ordered, with pricing depending on the size and length of the book.
DELIVERY
Once your book is printed, I'll arrange a time to hand-deliver it to you. This gives me a chance to walk through the finished book with you and ensure you're delighted with the result.
For clients outside the greater Auckland region, books can be shipped directly to you.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Photobook Memoirs are for individuals and families who value storytelling, photography and thoughtful documentation – whether you want to capture someone as they are today, record the stories and experiences of a life, or preserve family photographs and the memories behind them.
No prior preparation is required. I guide you through the process from beginning to end.
'I love reading the memories with the photos. Karen has done an amazing job. I love it.' Mary-Ellen Powdrell
Enquiries
If you’d like to discuss whether a Photobook Memoir is right for you or someone you love, please get in touch.
I’m happy to talk through the process and answer any questions.
