How to Prepare for a Living Memories Interview: Tips for a Comfortable Experience

Hey sweet friend, it’s your gal Andie,

And if you’re reading this, then something truly beautiful is stirring — the chance to tell your story. Not just the highlight reel or the formal dates-and-names version, but the real you: the laughter, the heartache, the turning points, and those small moments that turned out to be big ones.

Welcome to Living Memories, where your life isn’t just remembered — it’s celebrated.

At every age and every level of experience you’ve got stories that matter. And recording a personal documentary might feel exciting… and also, let’s be honest, a little intimidating.

What should I wear? What will they ask? What if I get emotional? Or forget something?

Deep breath, friend — I’ve got you. In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through everything you need to feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident when the camera starts rolling. From what to wear to how to organize your thoughts, we’re making sure your story gets told your way.

Let’s get you prepped for a beautiful, meaningful, and dare I say — downright enjoyable — Living Memories interview.

✨ First Things First: Why This Matters

Before we talk outfits or lighting or even storytelling, let’s anchor ourselves in the why.

You are the keeper of wisdom.

You’ve lived through decades of change, of love, of growth — and that’s worth capturing. Not just for the kids and grandkids, but for you, too. Documenting your memories is like planting seeds of legacy. Long after we’re gone, our stories remain.

This isn’t a performance. It’s a conversation. A heart-to-heart that just happens to be recorded on film.

Six Quick Interview Tips For Success

🧠 Step One: Fill Out the Pre-Interview Questionnaire

Before your Living Memories interview, you’ll receive a questionnaire — a thoughtfully crafted set of prompts that help guide your memory and warm up your storytelling muscles.

Please don’t skip this step. It’s your secret weapon!

Why it helps:

• It jogs your memory — think of it like opening up dusty photo albums in your mind.

• It organizes your thoughts so you’re not scrambling mid-interview.

• It uncovers forgotten gems — those sweet little “Oh! I haven’t thought about that in years…” kind of moments.

You don’t need to write a novel. Bullet points, a few sentences, or even short answers are perfect. The goal is to get your mind in story mode before the cameras arrive.

💡 Pro tip: As you go through the questionnaire, jot down names, dates, or events that feel important. You don’t have to remember everything — just enough to guide the conversation.

👕 Step Two: What to Wear (And What to Skip)

Now, let’s talk wardrobe. What you wear affects how you feel on camera — and the more comfortable you are, the better the interview will go.

DO:

✅ Choose solid colors in soft, muted tones (blues, earth tones, jewel tones)

✅ Dress in layers if needed — room temps can vary

✅ Wear something that makes you feel good — confident, cozy, and you

✅ Iron or steam your outfit beforehand for a polished look

✅ Keep accessories minimal (small earrings, simple necklace)

AVOID:

❌ Busy patterns like stripes or plaids — they can “buzz” on camera

❌ Shiny or reflective fabrics

❌ Logos or text on clothing

❌ All black or all white — they don’t always film well

❌ Loud jewelry that can jingle or reflect light

If you’re unsure what to wear, lay out a few options and take a quick photo in each. Ask a friend or family member which one “feels like you” — because that’s what matters most.

🎤 Step Three: How to Talk Like You Normally Do

Here’s a little insider secret from behind the lens: The best interviews are the most natural ones.

You don’t need to be polished or practiced. You just need to be you. We’re not filming a news broadcast — we’re capturing the rhythm of your life, in your own voice.

Here’s how to keep it conversational:

• Talk like you’re telling a story to a grandchild or old friend.

• Use your hands if you normally do — natural gestures bring warmth to the screen.

• Speak from the heart, not from a script.

• Pause when you need to. Silence is part of storytelling. No rush.

• Don’t worry about “messing up.” There are no wrong answers in your own story.

💛 If emotions come up, that’s okay. They’re part of the richness of your journey. Our team is patient, understanding, and trained to help guide you gently through it. This is a safe, honoring space.

🎬 Step Four: What Happens on Interview Day?

Here’s a peek at what you can expect when the Living Memories crew arrives:

1. Setup & Lighting (15–30 minutes):

We’ll choose a cozy spot in your home (or location of your choice) that’s quiet, well-lit, and meaningful. We bring our own professional lighting and cameras — nothing too flashy or overwhelming.

2. Sound Check & Framing:

We’ll attach a small microphone to your clothing (nothing invasive — think lapel mic), adjust the camera angles, and make sure everything looks and sounds great.

3. Conversation Begins:

And just like that, we start talking. You won’t be looking directly into the camera. You’ll be looking at your interviewer — a real person who’s trained to guide your stories naturally.

They’ll ask warm, open-ended questions like:

• “What were your parents like?”

• “How did you meet your spouse?”

• “What was one of your proudest moments?”

• “What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?”

You can share as little or as much as you like. There’s no time pressure. No pressure at all, actually.

🪞 Step Five: Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Here are a few bonus tips that’ll help you feel even more at ease:

🫖 Hydrate and snack beforehand. A comfy body makes for a comfy storyteller.

🛋️ Choose a comfortable chair. We’ll adjust to you, not the other way around.

📵 Turn off phones, alarms, or distractions. Let this be a sacred, quiet moment.

💬 Let loved ones know you’re filming. It can help avoid interruptions, and they might want to help with set-up or support.

And remember — this is your story. You control what’s shared, what’s private, and how much you want to say.

❤️ Step Six: Share with Intention (and Joy!)

After your interview is filmed and edited, you’ll receive a beautiful, high-quality documentary — professionally produced and easy to watch, share, and cherish.

Many people choose to:

• Show it at family reunions or milestone celebrations

• Gift it to children and grandchildren

• Save it for future generations who haven’t even been born yet

One client said, “This isn’t just a video — it’s the heartbeat of our family, captured forever.”

So go ahead — lean into the joy of storytelling. This is your legacy. Your love letter. Your living memory.

Final Thoughts: You Were Made for This

You don’t have to be polished. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

If you’ve lived, loved, laughed, or learned — you have a story worth telling.

Let Living Memories from Benaiah Studios help you share that story with grace, beauty, and timeless impact. Our team will walk with you every step of the way, creating a comfortable, honoring experience you’ll be proud of.

Because your story matters.

Because you matter.

Hope you enjoyed the Quick Interview Tips. Here’s to another How-To journey together, forever thankful,

Andie 💋