What’s the Value of a Photograph?

Let me ask you this question again: What’s the value of photos for you?

And no, we’re not talking pounds, dollars and cents here; we’re diving into the emotional realm, into how photos make us feel – because, really, that’s what matters most.


I want to raise this question today because it’s world cancer day and unfortunately, cancer has touched the lives of our friends and family, leaving an indelible mark.

Personally, I’ve lost dear ones to this relentless foe; both my grandmas more than two decades ago when I was just a teenager, and my dad encountered Mr. Cancer a few years back. But you know what? Dad faced it head-on, threw a mighty punch, and emerged victorious! His strength and positivity throughout those challenging months of treatment are a testament to the human spirit.

Cancer is a word that makes us feel scared, small and hopeless. But today, there are countless positive stories and ongoing research that prove it can be defeated. Now, back to my original question.

I believe a photo’s value is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of how someone treasures it. Loves it. Holds onto it for dear life.

Think about it – when you lose someone you love, what do you do?

You seek solace in their photos. And if those cherished memories live on your phone, you print them out because you want to feel their presence, to physically hold onto those moments. A photograph becomes a time capsule, a way to relive precious memories, and an avenue to feel closer to someone you hold dear.

Related article: Why Newborn Photography?

photo of mum kissing baby- value of photos

This is my little positive story.

These particular photos hold a story of strength and love. Taken just days before a remarkable mum underwent a spine operation. The baby was 4 months old when I took the photos and while she was pregnant they discovered there was something wrong with her.

They scheduled the shoot urgently, knowing that mobility would be limited for months post-surgery. Why? “So I can look back and remember these very special months that I had with my child and husband,” she shared with me.

The power and value of photos, right?

Gratitude overwhelmed me as I captured this family’s journey, providing them with memories to hold onto during challenging times. “Thanks so much for sending these photos! It’s great to be able to look at them when I’m by myself alone in the hospital… it definitely makes me smile! 🙂

mum and dad hugging and laughing while holding baby - value of photos
mum holding baby and dad looking at then - value of photos

Photos become more than just pixels; they’re tangible memories.

Remembering a particular moment becomes effortless when you have a picture to transport you back in time. Photos are the imprints of our lives, the visual story we pass on to future generations. Whether personal, commercial, or historical, each image we capture has a tale to tell.

So, what’s holding you back from creating these timeless memories with your children?

The photos you take today aren’t just for you; they’re a gift to your children, a window to the past where they’ll see the beauty of their mum, the joy of playing with dad, and the precious moments spent with siblings.

As a London photographer specialising in Newborn photography, my passion lies in capturing the essence of your family. The photos of the baby are the most loved. But the photos with mum and dad and siblings are the most powerful and cherished forever!

You can look at my portfolio to see more of my work and I hope you can see the passion I have for this job and my mission to provide incredible memories through your photos.

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We often think of kindness as something we give to others, but it also lives quietly in the spaces between us, in patience, in listening, in how we see one another.

Every time I photograph someone, I’m reminded how powerful kindness can be.

A gentle word, a reassuring smile, or simply making someone feel seen can change the whole energy of a moment.

This World Kindness Day, let’s remember that kindness doesn’t have to be loud or grand. Sometimes it’s in the way we speak to ourselves. Sometimes it’s in the way we see another person, really see them.

Be gentle, with yourself and with others. It matters more than you know.

#worldkindnessday
#londonphotographer #londonportrait 
#empoweringwomen #photographybyvalentina
In a world where so much feels filtered, polished, or even AI-generated, I just want to be real.

▪️I still get nervous before shoots, even after hundreds of sessions. Every client is different, and that matters to me.

▪️I might do a small dance (or throw my arms in the air) when you book a session, because it means you’ve chosen me to tell your story.

▪️I can feel really low when bookings slow down, and yes, I get anxious when the inbox is quiet.

▪️Most days, I edit in joggers, wrapped in a blanket, with chocolate or biscuits within reach.

▪️If you don’t reply after a session, I do worry. We’ve shared such a special connection, and when I don’t hear back, my brain instantly assumes something’s wrong.

▪️I pour everything into every session so you can have the best experience possible. I feel exhausted afterwards but I know you leave feeling amazing.
 
▪️And yes, I’ll admit, it stings a little when you share your photos without tagging me. Because every image has a piece of my heart in it.

Photography is emotional, messy, and sometimes exhausting but it’s also so magic and rewarding. 

What’s your truth? I know I’m not the only one who feels like this. Can any fellow mums or business owners relate?

#photographerlife #behindthescenes #londonphotographer #realbusinesslife #newbornphotographerlondon #maternityphotographer
You won’t find props or baskets here, just softness, light, and connection.

I believe your baby is already enough, exactly as they are.

Every sigh, stretch, and tiny breath tells the story of who they’re becoming and who you already are.

If that’s the kind of session you’ve been searching for, let’s chat.

We’re definitely speaking the same language.

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #newbornshoots #lessismore #photographybyvalentina
Sometimes, the mirror doesn’t tell the full story, but a photograph can.

It’s not about changing how you look.
It’s about seeing yourself differently.

Every woman deserves to feel seen, not for who the world expects her to be, but for who she truly is. 

#EmpoweringWomen #portraitphotography #womenover40 #confidencephotography #photographybyvalentina
“Your motherhood will outlive you and live inside your children forever.” 

This quote stopped me.

It made me think about how everything we are, our words, our moods, our love, stays with them long after the moment has passed.

Just like a photograph, motherhood captures fragments of who we are and preserves them in our children.

So if our love is the legacy we leave behind, maybe caring for ourselves is part of that legacy too. 

When we’re gentle with ourselves, we teach them to do the same.

That’s how the best parts of us live on.  Tag a mum who need to hear this.

#motherhood #selfcareformums #emotionallegacy #mumlife #photographybyvalentina
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VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.