Preserving Family Memories: Why You Should Print Your Photos

Every day, millions of photos are shared online, Facebook alone sees over 350 million uploads daily. Instagram is getting out of control with an average of 60 million, then there is Pinterest, Google +, Twitter and more.  Social media makes it easy to keep in touch, especially when, like me, you live far from family. Grandparents can watch their grandchildren grow, friends stay in the loop, and memories are stored in a digital space.

But here’s the thing: that space is not truly yours.

It’s great to have a diary with your daily life and photos but it could be gone tomorrow! There are many mysteries. I’ve heard stories of people being hacked and accounts deleted for who knows what reasons. I know, that’s scary, right?  Everything could disappear with a click of a finger. So imagine that – all your photos of the holidays, friends gathering, important moments, your family gone in a second. It’s devastating.

But hopefully, you will have your photos saved on your computer or hard drive so you can have those memories with you again. Phew! But remember, technology can easily fail too and if that device breaks or bursts, you are left with nothing.

A part of your story will be missing! And this is pretty devastating.

That’s why preserving family memories means going beyond digital.

Related article: What’s the Value of a Photograph?

quote - reason to print your photos and preserving family memories

Why Printing Your Photos Still Matters

Let me ask you: why are you taking that specific photo? Of course nowadays with digital photography, it’s so easy and we take photos of everything. But imagine you’re back in the film era with only 24 or 36 frames to capture. You will think about what you want to photograph and value the situation. Probably something special, a particular moment, something you want to remember and maybe something will be worth having printed in your hands.

One thing I always enjoy is going through old photos when I am at my parents’ house. They are always there in some big albums, in several shoe boxes and no matter if there is internet or not, electricity or not, they are in my hands. And they open conversations, unlock memories, and remember things we probably removed from our minds.

I said already I am guilty myself of not printing enough! I’d love to have all my photos printed but we take so many pictures nowadays that it’s impossible! But I print those I love and want to see often and create albums to tell stories.

Please remember to print your photos, at least the photos that are more important to you. Create a memory you will enjoy for a lifetime and will become a legacy for your family.

Your Photos Deserve to Be Seen and Felt

As a London maternity and newborn photographer, I capture emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments. My clients walk away not just with digital files but with printed albums, wall art, or keepsake boxes—pieces that become part of their home and heart.

Prints are not just decoration. They’re daily reminders of your journey. They boost your children’s sense of belonging and become part of your family’s visual identity.SaveSave

How to Start Preserving Your Family Memories

Whether you’re working with a professional photographer or printing your own favourites, here are a few tips:

  • Print the photos you love most, the ones that make you smile every time.
  • Back up your digital files in multiple places.
  • Create albums or wall displays that tell a story, your story.

If you’re ready to create timeless keepsakes from your maternity or newborn session, I’d love to help. Let’s preserve the fleeting moments before they’re gone.

📍 Based in Richmond, South West London, I offer printed products designed to help you cherish and pass down your memories.

Prints. Albums. Frames. They’re forever.


Let’s make sure your story lives on, not just on a screen, but in your hands and your home.

Elegant bedroom showcasing framed maternity portraits as timeless wall art - London Maternity Photographer

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“Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.” — Elliott Erwitt

Sometimes, the quietest images speak the loudest.

Stripped back. Soft. Honest.

#blackandwhitephotography #maternityphotography #pregnancyphotos #londonmaternityphotographer #minimalportrait #timelessphotos #pregnancyphotography
Why do we close our eyes when we cry, when we kiss, when we dream?

Because the most beautiful things in life aren’t always visible.
They’re felt. Held. Remembered by the heart.

But sometimes, a photograph can bring them back,not just the image, but the feeling.
Of who you were in that moment.
What you were carrying.
What you were becoming.

That’s what I love most about this work.
Not just capturing how you looked, but how it felt to be her.

If you’re ready to remember your moment, not just see it, I’ll be here.

When you’re ready to feel, I’ll be here.

#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #londonpregnancyphotographer #londonpregnancyphotos#PhotographyWithHeart #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MaternityPhotography #photographyforthesoul #londonmaternityphotographer
Pregnancy is a strange, sacred in-between.

You’re not who you were.

Not yet who you’ll become.

And this space - the one where your body stretches to hold more than just a baby, but also new versions of you - deserves to be remembered.

Because this won’t last.

Not the exact shape.

Not the closeness.

Not the stillness before everything changes.

This is a moment that won’t return.

But it can still be held.

And that’s what I love most about what I do.

#MaternityPhotography #PregnancyJourney #HonestMotherhood #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #LondonMaternityPhotographer #MotherhoodUnfiltered #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyshoot #MomentsThatMatter #becomingamother
At 44, I’ve finally realised…

The more I see myself, the more I want to

When I took these self-portraits, it felt like peeling back a layer.

Not to become someone else, but to finally meet the version of me that’s been waiting.

The creative blur, the movement, the softness… it all made space.

To explore. 
To play.
To let go.

And in that letting go, I found something I didn’t expect: joy, curiosity. Maybe even tenderness.

We dread photos sometimes, maybe because we’re not used to really looking.

A mirror shows you a flipped reflection.
But a photograph?

It shows you how the world sees you.

And sometimes, you realise… you like her.

If this speaks to you, save it, share it, or just sit with it for a moment.

Let it be your invitation to see yourself, too.

#londonphotographer #londonportraitphotographer 
#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #EmpoweredThroughPhotography #LettingGo #PhotographyAsHealing #SelfPortraitSeries #VisualJournaling #ThisIs44
It’s not magic, it’s practice, rhythm, and a little bit of baby whispering. 

After 14+ years photographing newborns, there are a few go-to soothing tricks I use at every session to help babies feel calm, safe, and sleepy.

Here are some of my favourites:

Swaddling for that womb-like comfort.

Gentle side holding or tummy time to ease any tension.

The classic “shhhh”, because sound really matters (apps help too!)

Rocking or soft movement (bonus if you hum)

Sucking for comfort and calm (dummy or feeding)

Ooohh want a bonus one?
A slow stroke on the baby’s forehead. Works like a charm. 

Every baby is different, but these almost always help settle the mood.

Tag a parent who’s in the newborn phase (and could use a little calm today). 

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonnewbornshoot  #NewbornTips #BabySoothing #ParentingSupport #NewParentHack #LifeWithABaby #SoothingTechniques #FourthTrimester
She didn’t come to this session unsure.

She already knew me—she’d trusted me with her maternity and newborn sessions. But this time was different.

This time was for her.

She came knowing who she is and ready to celebrate it.

In her 40s, she’s found more confidence, more clarity, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most.

She spoke of embracing self-love, shedding insecurities, and living with humour and presence.

“I decided to do something for me… I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much.”

And that’s what this experience is really about.
Not becoming someone else, but returning to yourself.

Playful. Strong. Present. Real.

This is what it looks like to take up space.

To honour your story.

To say: “This is me. And I’m proud of her.”

What would a session just for you look like? What would it feel like to step in front of the lens, just as you are?

If you’ve been thinking about it…this is your sign to say yes to yourself. ✨

Empowering women, London portrait photographer for women, women over 40, confidence through photography, celebrate yourself,  photography as healing #ResetWithReelsChallenge3

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM