How to Gather Photos for a Memorial — Fast (and With Family Help)
When you’re grieving, “Can you send photos?” can feel like another mountain. Here’s a quick way to gather what you need for a memorial slideshow or photo table — without endless group texts or sorting sessions.
1) Ask once (clearly) and give one place to upload
Copy/paste this message:
“We’re creating a small photo set for [Name]’s memorial. Please send 3–5 favorite photos by [date/time] using this link: [shared folder or album]. Everyday moments are perfect. If you only have prints, a phone snapshot is fine.”
Use one upload spot (Apple Shared Album, Google Drive, Dropbox).
Set a 24-48 hour deadline so people don’t overthink it.
If you can, pin a sample: one close-up, one group, one everyday moment.
Need help timing photos to music or prepping files? Our Visual Tribute Package turns your images into a ready-to-play slideshow.
2) How many photos do you actually need?
Slideshow: 25-50 photos works well with 1-2 songs (~3-5 minutes).
Photo table/boards: 12-24 prints + 3-5 enlarged favorites.
Shorter is kinder to the room — and lets every image breathe.
3) What to prioritize so it “feels like them”
Aim for a simple mix:
60% everyday life: routines, porch, pets, workbench, garden.
25% people they loved: family/friends, even if imperfect.
15% places & moments: wedding, favorite trail, team, kitchen table.
If you’re stuck, pick the images that show their expressions or hands doing familiar things. Those tiny details carry the most meaning.
4) Sort in 10 minutes (no perfect order needed)
Create three folders: Keep, Maybe, No. Move fast.
Keep images that are: (1) in focus enough, (2) emotionally clear, (3) not duplicates of the same moment.
Optional mini-order for slideshows: welcome image → early/childhood → everyday life → people they loved → favorite place → closing image.
5) Quick fixes (only if helpful)
Crop to focus on faces/hands.
Lighten slightly if dark.
Leave creases/time stamps—it’s part of the story.
Don’t filter heavily; aim for natural.
Old prints? Snap them near a window (indirect light), tilt a few degrees to reduce glare, and fill the frame.
6) Add 3-6 simple caption slides (optional)
Name + dates
A short quote/lyric they loved
Place/ritual labels: “Saturday pancakes,” “Grandad’s workshop,” “Game-day seat”
A closing line: “Thank you for being here.”
7) Where the slideshow fits in the program
Often best after the main tribute so the room can exhale and absorb. If the tone is upbeat, you can open with a short set, then return to stories. (More on tone and flow: How to Choose the Tone for a Celebration of Life and Celebration of Life Program Outline.)
If the plan still feels fuzzy
You don’t have to figure it out alone. In one focused hour, a Memorial Mapping Session shapes tone, flow, speakers, and where the slideshow belongs. You leave with a one-page plan to follow.
→ Let’s chat
Prefer done-for-you visuals? Our Visual Tribute synchronizes your 25–50 images to music and delivers a ready-to-play file.
→ Start my visual tribute
Quick answers (FAQ)
How many photos for a memorial slideshow?
25-50 with 1-2 songs (~3-5 minutes) is a sweet spot.
What if photos are low-resolution?
Use them anyway if they carry meaning; crop gently and brighten. The story matters more than pixel-perfect quality.
How do we collect from family fast?
Send one message with one upload link and a short deadline. Ask for 3-5 favorites per person.
Can we use screenshots or printed photo snaps?
Yes. Natural light, no heavy filters, and fill the frame.