Reimagining Memory: Caleb Thal’s "To Remember" Explores the Evolving Nature of Photographs

Los Angeles-based photographer Caleb Thal delves into the intricate relationship between image, memory, and time with his evocative new book, "To Remember." Through a unique artistic process of printing, re-photographing, and altering his own images, Thal breathes new life into personal narratives, prompting viewers to consider how photographs transform long after their initial capture. The book, a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Art & Photo Book Award, is a testament to Thal’s introspective artistic vision and his commitment to exploring the ephemeral nature of remembrance.

The Genesis of "To Remember": Childhood Fascination with the Past

Caleb Thal’s artistic journey into the realm of memory is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences. Growing up, he found himself captivated by old family photographs, spending countless hours poring over images that chronicled his family’s growth and shared experiences. "As a child I spent a lot of time looking at old photographs of myself and my family as we grew up," Thal explains. "As I am older I find myself remembering events of my childhood more centred on the photograph as opposed to the actual event." This profound realization—that photographs often become the primary anchors for our recollections—forms the conceptual bedrock of "To Remember."

This introspective exploration of personal history has now culminated in a beautifully realized publication, supported by Bookmobile, a company dedicated to bringing photographic projects to life in printed form. "To Remember" invites readers on a journey through Thal’s personal archives, reinterpreted through his distinctive artistic lens. The book is available for purchase through a dedicated link on Caleb Thal’s website.

A Life Shaped by Transformative Experiences

Thal’s artistic output is undoubtedly influenced by a rich tapestry of life experiences that have shaped his worldview and creative practice. When asked about pivotal moments that have defined him, he points to three significant life events.

Early Adulthood and the Broadening of Horizons

At the age of eighteen, Thal embarked on a six-month sojourn overseas. Having spent his formative years in the confines of suburban Arizona, this experience proved to be a profound awakening. "I moved overseas for 6 months when I was 18 (after living in suburban Arizona my whole life) and really learned a lot about myself and my worldview," he recalls. This period of immersion in a new culture undoubtedly fostered a deeper understanding of himself and the diverse perspectives that exist in the world, laying the groundwork for a more nuanced approach to his photographic narratives.

The Profound Impact of Parenthood

The birth of his son marked another transformative chapter in Thal’s life. Occurring during the nascent stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, this experience was fraught with both fear and profound joy. "The second was the birth of my son, which happened during the very beginning of covid, which was scary but also incredible at the same time!" he shares. The unique circumstances of his son’s arrival, a period of global uncertainty and personal upheaval, likely infused his perspective with a heightened appreciation for life’s precious moments and the enduring power of family bonds.

Reclaiming Identity Through Spiritual Liberation

Perhaps one of the most deeply personal and impactful experiences for Thal was his departure from an evangelical Christian upbringing. This process of deconstructing and reshaping his spiritual beliefs led to a fundamental re-evaluation of his perception of the world. "The third was probably me leaving my evangelical christian upbringing—anyone who group up that environment would know—but it really reshaped how I view the world," he states. This journey of spiritual and intellectual liberation would undoubtedly have fostered a greater sense of autonomy and a more critical engagement with established narratives, influencing his artistic desire to question and reinterpret conventional perspectives.

The Art of Remembering: A Unique Photographic Process

Thal’s artistic process for "To Remember" is as deliberate as it is intuitive, a carefully constructed method designed to explore the very essence of memory. He describes his approach as "definitely more instinctual" rather than overtly intentional, a philosophy that permeates his creative output. "For me personally, any of my work that I am overly intentional about feels to me like it comes across as trying too hard… but the work I resonate most with is because of the feeling it gives me, (whatever that feeling is) and I try to lean into that," he explains. This reliance on feeling and intuition allows for a more organic and emotionally resonant exploration of his subject matter.

The Tactile Evolution of Images

The core of Thal’s methodology for "To Remember" involves a unique interplay between the physical print and the photographic act. He began with a decade’s worth of his own printed photographs, images that held not only the memory of their initial capture but also the imprint of their creation and the context in which they were printed. "So much of photo is done digitally these days and I love seeing work in print," Thal asserts. He observed that each print carried its own layered history: "each photograph didn’t only carry the memory of the time I took the photo, but also of the time I printed it—maybe a photo was printed while I was at the old house, now it’s just in a box—or I would remember not liking this version of the print etc. (memory is really hard to describe with words!)."

Creating New Memories Through Re-Photography

For "To Remember," Thal aimed to imbue each print with a "new memory"—the act of photographing it for the project itself. This process involved re-photographing these existing prints under varying conditions. "I wanted to create a new memory with each of my prints—‘the time I photographed this picture for my project’ sort of thing," he states. He would often capture these images at random times, influenced by the available light and his own schedule. "It just so happened that while doing so I would photograph these pictures at random times, sometimes in the afternoon when the light was good, sometimes it was the last evening light and my son just went to bed so I could sneak in a bit of work."

The Unpredictable Beauty of Alteration

This deliberate act of re-contextualization, combined with the inherent unpredictability of natural light and varying camera angles, led to unexpected alterations in the original images. "In doing so I got all these alterations depending on the lighting, the angle, how I would hold the print etc. And it created kind of a cool effect so I rolled with it," Thal explains. These subtle, often accidental, transformations—the way light falls, the slight distortions introduced by his hand, the background elements captured in the frame—become integral to the final image. They serve as visual echoes of the passage of time, the layering of experiences, and the inherent mutability of memory itself. Each re-photographed image becomes a palimpsest, bearing the traces of its original moment, the moment of its printing, and the moment of its reinterpretation.

The Enduring Power of Family Narratives

At the heart of "To Remember" lie Thal’s deeply personal reflections on family and childhood. His upbringing was characterized by a strong emphasis on visual documentation, a practice that has left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibilities. "One of the things that really got me excited about this project is how much I loved looking at old family photos of when I was a kid," he shares. His family maintained extensive archives of photographs, capturing a myriad of life events, from vacations and birthday celebrations to everyday outings.

A Shared Ritual of Remembrance

The act of communal viewing of these photographs became a cherished childhood ritual for Thal and his sister. "My family was a big picture family so we have all these boxes of old photos of all sorts of events, family vacations, birthday parties, random outings. All growing up my sister and I would go find the picture box and spend hours looking through the photos," he recounts. This shared experience of sifting through the visual history of their family fostered a unique sense of connection and belonging.

The Enduring Legacy of Shared Memories

Even as Thal has moved away from his family geographically, this tradition of shared remembrance persists. "I don’t live in the same state as my parents anymore but we still do this almost every year when I am in town for the holidays." This enduring practice underscores the profound importance of these visual artifacts in maintaining familial bonds and preserving a collective sense of identity across generations. For Thal, the act of looking at photographs together is not merely an activity; it has become a foundational childhood memory in itself.

Inspiring Reflection: The Message of "To Remember"

Caleb Thal’s ultimate hope for "To Remember" is to inspire a similar appreciation for personal memory and the significance of photographs in the lives of its viewers. He acknowledges the pervasive influence of social media on our perception of images and the potential for comparison and inadequacy that can arise from constantly viewing curated glimpses into the lives of others. "I would love for people to appreciate their own memories/photographs as they flip the pages of this book," he states. "I think that because of the way that social media has shaped how often we see pictures (especially pictures of other peoples lives/memories) it is easy to feel somehow less than or inadequate."

Embracing the Mundane, Cherishing the Moment

Thal’s work encourages a counter-narrative to the often-overwhelming influx of digital imagery. He advocates for a slower, more mindful engagement with our own past and present. "My hope is that this book reminds people to slow down, to enjoy the mundane and the moments that are created," he urges. By reinterpreting his own memories through a lens that acknowledges their evolution and fragmentation, Thal invites viewers to find beauty and meaning in their own personal histories, regardless of their perceived significance. The book serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and cherish the unique tapestry of experiences that constitute a life.

Mentorship and Future Aspirations

Thal’s career has been significantly shaped by the guidance and wisdom of experienced photographers. He expresses gratitude for the mentorship he has received, particularly from Mark Mahaney, whom he now considers both a friend and a mentor. "I feel like I was extremely lucky to learn from and be around some pretty incredible photographers early on in my career," he shares. Mahaney’s approach, characterized by a profound "care and thought he approaches each photo he makes with—a really good blend of intentionality and instinct," has deeply influenced Thal’s own artistic philosophy.

Personal and Professional Goals

Looking ahead, Thal has set ambitious goals for both his personal and professional life. In the immediate future, he is focused on a personal challenge: "This is not work related but I am wanting to run a 50k later this year! We’ll see." This dedication to physical endurance reflects a broader commitment to pushing his own boundaries and embracing new challenges.

On a more profound, lifelong level, Thal aspires to create work that positively impacts the world. "I would love to be known as someone whose work somehow made the world a little brighter," he articulates. Whether it is by inspiring emerging artists, raising awareness about critical issues like climate change, or simply offering a moment of quiet contemplation, Thal’s ultimate aim is for his art to contribute in a meaningful way. "Even if it’s just inspiring a future photographer, or making work that speaks to climate change etc. I would like for my work to play a tiny part of it all." This aspiration underscores his belief in the power of art to effect change and to leave a lasting, positive imprint on society.

For those interested in experiencing Caleb Thal’s evocative exploration of memory and photography, "To Remember" is available for purchase. The book is a significant contribution to contemporary photographic literature, offering a poignant and visually compelling meditation on how our past continues to shape our present and future.

Booooooom is actively seeking new photographic talent. Artists and zine creators are encouraged to submit proposals for the 2026 Booooooom Art & Photo Book Awards. Applications are currently open.