Nothing Compares: How to Compare and Contrast Subjects in Your Layouts
3 June 2010
Author: Kelly Keller
Are you looking for a creative twist for your next scrapbook layout? Why not try a comparison themed layout? No, this is not English class – but you can apply this classic essay theme and learn how to compare and contrast the important people and places in your life to create fun and meaningful layouts. The possibilities are endless!
Each summer, I take a photograph of my husband and two children at the same fountain in our favorite park. Every year my son grows taller and soon will be taller than his Dad. Each year my daughter’s sweet smile stays the same, yet now she and I can share shoes. Someday I will make a special layout of these photos because I love looking at these photos together to compare and reminisce.
Try out some of the ideas for how to compare and contrast on your next layout!
Then and Now:
- Create a layout featuring photos of a grandmother and her granddaughter at the same age. Try adding journaling about a typical day in the life of each young lady.
- A mother and daughter on their respective wedding days would make a heartwarming layout.
- Imagine a layout of your son sitting in a wagon on his first birthday, and then later pulling his own son in the same wagon.
- “Then and Now” does not strictly refer to people. Try something different and create a layout making sure to include changes in prices, fashion, cars, or jobs.
Before and After:
The concept of before and after lends itself to great photography opportunities.
- Why not create a layout highlighting the before and after of your vegetable garden through the summer?
- Or how about before and after a diet, teen’s braces, or haircut?
Through the Years:
- What would be sweeter than a layout showcasing your son’s footprint next to a print of his 12 year old footprint or shoe tracing?
- Include his handwritten signature as a first grader and as a graduating senior.
- The concept of scrapbooking through the years is not limited to only two comparisons. Photograph and scrapbook your newborn in a 12 month sized t-shirt, then photograph each month as the baby grows into the t-shirt.
- Interview your children once a year with the same series of questions concerning their “favorites”. It will be fun to see how much their opinions change. A layout comparing these fabulous favorites will make you laugh and shed tears at the same time.
Other Compare and Contrast Ideas:
- Try a “He said, she said” page comparing a mother and son’s opinions on the same subject, like curfews and borrowing the car. These layouts would be funny to read years from now.
- A great-grandfather holding his grandson would make a special page like the one above. Be sure to do close up photos of their hands or other features which might showcase a family resemblance.
- Apply these ideas on how to compare and contrast to create a special Father/Daughter layout like the one below. You could interview both subjects or write down your observations of their similarities and differences.
Use some of these ideas for how to compare and contrast and start working on your own comparison layouts! Dig out those old photos and be sure to take some new ones too. Don’t forget to include all aspects of life along with visual pictures, journaled conversion, cultural comparisons and documented memorabilia.