Scanning My Uncle’s Film: A Glimpse into His Early Life

My Uncle Rob was one of those rare people who could light up any room. He had a way of talking to people that made you feel like an old friend, even if you had just met him. Everyone loved him. He was a painter, an artist in every sense of the word, and he dabbled in all sorts of creative pursuits. But there was one thing I didn’t know about him—he also was a pretty good photographer.

Recently, my Aunt Lisa moved and, in the process, came across a manila folder filled with his old negatives. Almost 300 exposures! She handed them to me, knowing I’d appreciate them. As I scanned them, I was stunned. It was like uncovering a hidden part of his story, a side of him I never knew. Seeing his world through the lens of his camera gave me a peek into his early life—years before I – or anyone in my family – ever knew him. But there he was, as full of life as much as we remember!

Some of the photos were simple snapshots of friends and family, while others were artistic compositions that revealed an eye for detail and dynamic light. And then, there he was—his face forever frozen in time from some self-portraits. It was surreal. It felt like he was right there with me again, reminding me of how special he was and how lucky I was to have known him.

Lately, life has felt a bit uncertain. But scanning my uncle’s film was unexpectedly comforting. It gave me a sense of connection, a reminder that even in difficult times, the people we love are never truly gone. They leave pieces of themselves behind—in photographs, in memories, in the things they taught us and the comfort we felt whenever they were around!

Whenever I’m feeling down, I like to imagine his voice, full of warmth and goofy humor, saying: “Cheer up, shorty.” It always makes me smile. The guy was almost seven feet tall, so to him, everyone was short—but there was something about him that always made everything feel okay.

Uncovering his photography felt like a gift, a small moment of clarity in the middle of chaos. And it reminded me why I love film in the first place—the way it captures not just images, but emotions, stories, and... legacies.

---

In loving memory of Robert "Rob" O'Geen, June 1968 — May 2021