Growing up, I traveled a lot and developed a habit of collecting small items that reminded me of the places I’d been. I’d take home a perfectly round rock from a wadi, a broken lightbulb from a tree in Africa, and metal rings from where I grew up in France. As the collection grew I stored them in a small shoebox under my bed. After college, I traveled less and eventually forgot about my souvenirs.
Now that my son is three and we live in New York, I’ve realized he does the same thing—maybe it’s something all kids do. His hands are never empty, always holding a Hot Wheels car, a stick, or a new treasure from the playground.
This project is a collaboration between my son and me, photographing and documenting the coolest treasures from our adventures. Enjoy!

The things we find.