Ticket stubs, a set of keys, a faded airline boarding pass, worn-out work boots — these ordinary but dear items are among the keepsakes photographer Shana Novak has captured on the pages of her new book, “The Heirloomist — 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell” (Chronicle Books, $28).
Warning: This book could make you never throw away anything sentimental again. But the point she’s making is to find those few poignant items in your life and elevate them. It’s not the stuff, but the stories behind the stuff that make them meaningful.
“The Heirloomist” by Shana Novak
Of the 100 items featured, most belong to workaday folks, but some belong to celebrities. A library ladder of books comes from writer and activist Gloria Steinem. The dust-laden desert boots that TV journalist Bob Woodruff was wearing in Iraq when an explosion injured him represent an iconic moment.
Novak’s business involves photographing her clients’ cherished keepsakes. “My job is to make something seemingly ordinary feel magical,” she says.
Whether whimsical or sobering, all the photographed objects have the same effect. They ptompt viewers to ask, “Why do I have a picture of old running shoes on my wall? Let me tell you …” and from there, conversation and memories flow.
I wanted to know more.
Q: How did you become a chronicler of people’s memorabilia?
A: When my grandmother was around age 90, she was feeling her own mortality and started telling me pretty cool stories of the many interesting things she had kept, like the metal plate once implanted in her leg, after a golf cart ran her over. She stored that in a closet next to her sterling silverware. When I heard these stories, I did what I do. I started taking pictures.
Q: How did you get your start as a photographer?
A: I have worked in photography in fashion and advertising for 15 years alongside some of the best food stylists, prop stylists, veteran photographers and giants in industry. I learned a lot on the job. Moving into heirlooms just happened. Now people from all over the world send me their stuff. I’ve photographed about 1500 heirlooms.
Q: Most of us think of an heirloom as a valuable relic from an ancient relative. How do you define it?
A: An heirloom can be anything, expensive or humble, as long as it tells your story, a story you want to keep alive for generations. If something makes you feel nice and warm and fuzzy, that’s what we want. I like to help people bring something to life that deserves to be on the wall instead of in a drawer, and that will make them feel happy every time they look at it.
Don’t feel pressured to memorialize something that doesn’t speak to you or that makes you feel sad or stressed. For instance, if military medals from a family member who died in service make you sad, it’s okay to keep those in a box.
Photographer Shana Novak’s new book is “The Heirloomist.” (Courtesy Shana Novak)
Q: What are some of the most common items you shoot?
A: I get teddy bears in the worst condition. Making a really loved stuffed animal look charming can be challenging. Matchbooks are popular. Oh, and lots of cowboy boots. They’re among my favorite objects to photograph. They are tall and proud and so textural. They just speak.
Q: What is one of the more unusual objects you’ve been asked to shoot?
A: About two years ago, a husband asked me to photograph an Oreo McFlurry as an anniversary gift for his wife. When he proposed and presented her with a ring, they were sharing a McFlurry. So, we went out and bought six to find the prettiest one.
Q: How does someone go about having you photograph an heirloom?
A: Customers can go online and get a price by telling me what they want photographed and how large an image they want. Price ranges from $750 to $5,000, but usually the price is around $1,000. I photograph the object and email a few versions for the client to approve. I then send the final photograph printed on archival paper and rolled in a tube. Framing is on the client.
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Q: The items in your photos have so much dignity. How do you use photography to elevate them?
A: My photographs are reality based. No touch up. The most we would do is remove lint. Texture is big. We want pictures that are dimensional with a lot of contrast. Whether working with a T-shirt or a teddy bear, you want the shadows even and happy. Strobe lights help make colors bold.
Q: How important is knowing the back story?
A: I like to know what’s important about what I’m working with. However, sometimes I just get an heirloom in a box with a note that says, “Work your magic.” Then I let the object tell me how it wants to shine.
Marni Jameson is the author of “Downsizing the Family Home” and other books. Reach her at marni@marnijameson.com.