I think in time they will trigger happy or sad memories (ranging from gentle reaction to extreme reaction) depending on where we are emotionally when we look at them, and the story within them. Photos have an amazing ability to transport you back to the moment. I love that about photos - there's a story behind many
I had a surprise flood of emotions when I saw a photo today. My mum had found a batch of photos which she gave me to look at and scan (so we have electronic copies to preserve some of the older ones which are fading) There's some really young photos, and some where I'm older. One in particular, I had forgotten completely but on seeing the photo I'm suddenly back in the moment. I know my fiance is there, he is the person I'm gesturing/pointing at laughing. (He is finding the predicament I'm in funny, and teasing) I can see my dad stood there just on the edge of the photo. Im so happy in the photo. I can feel those memories. But also a sadness, my ex-husband commited suicide when he was just 36 (it's complicated), my dad now gone too. Very mixed feelings now - fond memories, i can practically feel the happiness, but sadness and longing too
It takes time. Treasure your photos - someday in the future they will be easier to look at despite mixed emotions they may bring xx