Sample Interview Questions and Ideas Starters for the A Tribute Photo book
by Anna Aspnes
The idea is to use the questions to help you gather the details for your story. Of course, since this is your book, you should use the methods that work for you. Use the questions below as a starting point to get your ideas flowing. Change, add to, or delete any of these questions and pages to meet your needs. Remember that this is your tribute.
Title/Introduction
Idea Starter: Define your subject and introduce the reason for your tribute. This page includes the basic details:
- Who is the tribute for? A person, an event a place?
- Where/When did this story start?
- Who are the important players in the story? Family, friends, colleagues?
- What five words would you use to describe the subject?
- Are there any special or unique stories pertaining to the above?
The Early Years
Idea Starter: Provide more detail and elaborate on the "early" part of the tribute.
- Who was there?
- Where did it take place?
- How did it happen?
- Why did it happen in the way it did?
- What were the highs/lows of this period?
- What word would you use to describe this period?
- Are there any special or unique stories pertaining to the above?
Signs of Times
Idea Starter: Showcase photos of your subject in the early years doing what he or she is/likes doing/is good at doing now. These images can provide insight into what the subject was destined to be/do.
- Where/When did the story take place?
- How did the story come about?
- What was the influence? Is the subject following in anyone's footsteps?
- How has the story shaped the present?
Hopes and Dreams
Idea Starter: Provide detail on any hopes or dreams and share how or if they were fulfilled.
- What were the hopes/dreams?
- How did they come about?
- What were the challenges?
- Were the challenges overcome? How?
- What were the lessons learned?
- Did the hopes and dreams change over time? If so, how and why?
Treasured Moments
Idea Starter: Showcase favorite photos.
Challenges and Successes
Idea Starter: Define the main challenge(s) that the subject faced.
- What/When was the challenge?
- How was it overcome? What are the subjects strengths and how did they come into play?
- Were there any benefits in spite of the challenge/having come through the challenge?
- Were there any successes that resulted from the challenge?
- What/Who were those successes?
- Were/Are there any regrets?
- What are the emotions surrounding the story?
Defining Moments
Idea Starter: Tell the stories of the most important events.
- Who/What/Where/When/How/Why?
- Were there any small but special details?
- What was the emotion of this event?
- What were the highs/lows? How were they overcome?
- How did this event shape/change the course of the future?
- What words/adjectives would you use to describe this event?
Lessons Learned
Idea Starter: Share what lessons have been learned? This can be in list format if desired or can focus on a single lesson.
Legacy
Idea Starter: Share how the subject has been an influence on others.
- What lessons has the subject taught others through his or her life experiences?
- What have you learned from him/her?
- What impact has that person had on you?
- Does the subject have a favorite possession?
- Why is/was it so important to them?
Words of Wisdom
Idea Starter: Note the things that the subject said/believed in and include favorite sayings. This can be in the form of a list or may be focused on just one.
- What phrases or quotes will the subject be remembered for?
- Where did it/they come from?
- What is the story behind the quotes?
Things we Love
Idea Starter: Share your love and feelings about the subject.
- What are the qualities you love about the subject? Why do you love those qualities?
- What are the things the subject says or does that makes that you particularly love?
Large Photo End Page
Idea Starter: Include a photo and a single line of text which could be used for a quote or a lasting thought:
- How would the subject want to be remembered?
- How would you conclude this chapter in the subject’s life?
- What 3 words would you use to describe the subject/subject’s life?
- What do you anticipate the subject would/will think of this book?
(Alternative Pages)
(You)nique
Idea Starter: To establish what makes your subject different from everyone/everything else. What makes the subject unique?
- Personality traits?
- Strengths/Weaknesses?
- Advantages/Disadvantages
- Likes/Dislikes?
Passions
Idea Starter: Define the subject’s interests/hobbies/supported causes/passions in life.
- What are the subject’s interests/hobbies/supported causes/passions in life?
- How have they shaped the subject?
- Why is the subject so passionate about this interest/cause?
- Where did the passion come from?
Favorite Stories
Idea Starter: Recount favorite stories, in your own voice or that of others.
- What was the story?
- When/Why did it happen?
- Why do you remember it?
- What emotions are attached to the story?
Through the Years
Idea Starter: Showcase photos taken through the years showing in each the same subject matter. For example, the same family in four different photos taken at four different times, or different members of a family performing the same task.
- Who is in the photos?
- When were they taken?
- How have times changed?
Good Times
Idea Starter: Summarize with photos.
Journaling Page
Idea Starter: Provide additional space for recounting favorite stories in your own voice or in that of others.
Full Page Photo
Idea Starter: This page is designed for a single photo and can be used in place of any of the other pages or it can conclude your tribute.
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