5 Reasons to Print Your Photos
In today’s digital age, smartphones and social media platforms dominate the way we capture and share moments. We are taking photographs like never before, but the art of actually printing them seems to have taken a back seat.
How often do we go back through our phone and look back on pictures we took weeks, a month or a year ago? It’s mind-boggling to think how many trillions of digital photos are languishing quite neglected on the cloud. Even apple themselves have recognised that we have lost something in the digitalisation of photography and so created the “On This Day” app, which prompts you to review images you photographed a year ago. The digital giant knows there is joy in the reliving of the moments we felt important enough to capture in the first place. It also knows we’re unlikely to seek out this joy ourselves.
We consume images at a rate of knots, but how often do we pause and really look? Have we lost anything in switching paper for screens? Does it even matter?
Here are five reasons why I believe printing your photos is more important than ever:
Preservation of Memories: I touched on this in my “10 Reasons You Want To Be Photographed on Film” post, but it scares the hell out of me so it’s certainly worth reiterating! Digital files are susceptible to corruption, loss, or becoming obsolete as technology evolves. Printed photos, on the other hand, stand the test of time. They provide a tangible connection to the cherished memories that are important to you. Whether it’s flipping through a family album or finding an old photograph tucked away in a drawer, printed photographs will appreciate in value with age and evoke a sense of nostalgia which will bring you and your loved ones an immense amount of joy in years to come.
Personalising Your Home: When you choose a photograph to print and display on a wall in your home, you are making a statement about what is important to you. A favourite memory beautifully printed, framed and placed in your path will uplift you and your space, as well as sparking conversation and connection with visitors.
There are printing options to suit all styles and tastes. You could create gallery wall showcasing your favourite travel memories and scenic landscapes. You could commission a large modern aluminium or acrylic frame of your favourite family portrait. Or you could simply frame a selection of your happiest memories and display them on shelves and windowsills throughout your home. Whatever you decide to do, printed photos are guaranteed to add character and warmth to your space. Watch as your home becomes a unique storyboard for your life’s journey and experiences.
Physical Interaction: There's something special about holding a printed photograph in your hands. Unlike digital images that exist solely on screens, printed photos encourage physical interaction and engagement. Whether you're flipping through a photo album with loved ones, arranging framed prints on a wall or recalling the story behind an old 6x4” snapshot, printed photographs facilitate meaningful connections and conversations. They are catalysts for storytelling and bonding, creating opportunities to relive shared experiences and forge deeper connections with those around you.
Memories as Gifts: Printed photos make the most thoughtful gifts which are often cherished for years if not decades. Whether it's a custom photo album filled with holiday memories, a framed print capturing a special moment or a beautiful boxed collection of nostalgic family photographs, prints convey thoughtfulness and love in a way that words alone cannot express. By sharing your photographs in print, you're giving the gift of precious memories that could well be treasured for generations.
Legacy and Heritage: Printed photographs have huge power to transcend time and preserve your legacy for future generations. Unlike digital files that can easily be lost or forgotten in the vast expanse of the cloud, printed photos serve as physical artefacts of your life story. They capture not only the people and places that are dear to you, but also the emotions and experiences that shape your identity. By printing your photos and passing them down to the generations that come after you, you ensure that your legacy lives on.
For generations our photographs were amongst our most prized possessions. They were a celebration of all that was precious to us. The analogue process of shooting film still epitomises that old school attitude to photography and this is one of the reasons I love it. But whether you’re shooting on an ancient 35mm rangefinder or an iPhone 15 Pro, printing your photographs is an investment in your future happiness.
In conclusion, while the convenience of digital imagery undoubtedly has its merits, there's something irreplaceable about the tangible beauty of printed photos. From preserving memories and fostering emotional connections to showcasing artistic expression and leaving a lasting legacy, printing your photos offers a myriad of benefits. So next time you snap a photo consider bringing it to life in print, you'll be glad you did!
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