Do you remember where you were when you got your first kiss, received heartbreaking news, went into labour or saw someone for the last time?
Or have you ever visited a home or holiday spot from your childhood after a long absence and instantly remembered something that you hadn’t thought of in years?
This idea- that our memories are inextricably linked to the locations where they took place- has been scientifically-proven and it’s known as contextual-binding theory. In fact, such is the power of this theory that there are contests known as “Memory Championships” held all around the world where the winners have routinely come to rely on it. The competitors create stories in their minds, which are grounded in the settings they’re most familiar with to help them remember thousands of random numbers.
And while being able to recite pages upon pages of numbers may not be useful for you, wouldn’t you love to use this theory to remember more of the days you spent with your children while they were young?
Because like every single person who’s ever had a child will tell you “they grow up so fast.” and how many of the beautiful memories will you be able to recall when they’re surly teenagers, or asking for advice on how to raise their own kids?
One clever local we know has tapped into using contextual-binding theory. Inspired by her own rush of memories after flicking through old photos at her parents’ place, visual storyteller and photographer Priscilla Barbosa decided to capture family moments in the settings that will forever hold the most meaning for them.
Maybe this setting is your treasured family home, maybe it’s a holiday house, your favourite local park or beach. The place where you love and laugh most often, which holds a special spot in your heart will make the perfect backdrop for the most incredible family photos- and the ones that will stir memories for you even in years to come.
If you’ve got children who may be a bit camera-shy, they’ll be able to relax and feel comfortable in a space they’re familiar with, where they won’t be pressured to pose for the camera. In fact, Priscilla even takes the time to talk with families prior to their shoot about the meaningful moments they are living through right now so that she can capture the natural quirks (like tiny squeezing hands, games that make your baby laugh and funny facial expressions) that you might otherwise forget.
Let Priscilla use her many years of experience meeting and photographing all kinds of families and adventures, combined with her unique knack for capturing the natural warmth and fun that your family shares, to create a suite of images where the smiles are genuine and the sentiment is heartfelt.
She’s even created a Baby Milestone package, which will consist of multiple visits throughout the year, allowing her to capture all your children’s special leaps and moments as they grow from delicate newborns to squishy babies and troublesome toddlers.
Check out Priscilla’s recent work on her Instagram page – @PriBarbosaPhoto or browse her complete portfolio on the Priscilla Barbosa website.
For a limited time, she is offering 15% off family photography sessions to any mums of the Shire who mention this blog post.
If you do take her up on this fabulous offer we’d love for you to tag @Mumsoftheshire on Instagram so we can see the no-doubt beautiful results.
Make your memories everlasting. Contact Priscilla Barbosa now.
