From Lens to Legacy: Why Printing Photos Still Matters

I just had to sit down and share something that’s not just close to my heart but is also incredibly important—why printing photos still matters in our digital age.

In today’s world, our lives are dominated by screens and gadgets. We’re quick to snap photos with our smartphones or save memories on our laptops, but in the process, we might be missing out on something truly special—the profound feeling of holding a printed photograph in our hands.

graphic image for the blog- Why Printing Photos Still Matters 
The title appears on top of a print portraying a pregnant woman

Why Printing Photos Still Matters

Do you remember those days when your parents would pull out a disposable camera? They’d wind it up, take a shot, and then the anticipation would begin. Well, first we had to wait till all the 36 or 24 photos were taken. Then we had to wait until the photos were developed at the local printing shop, sometimes a week later. More often than not, albums were filled with blurred shots, closed eyes, or the infamous red eyes because of the use of the flash. I’m sure every child of my generation has at least one of those! (or all of them!! – I’m a kid from the 80s)

But here’s the thing: those albums and photos hold a special place in our hearts because those images are REAL. They are on any screen, they are right there in your hands.

mum and daughter looking at a photo album versus girl looking at photos on the phone

That’s where my passion for printing your photos and creating beautiful albums takes root. I was lucky enough to grow up with boxes and albums of photos. My dad had a bit of passion for photography and a great uncle made a lot of videos with that kind of huge device thingy there used to be years ago. So I am quite lucky to have memories of me as a child.

Now, let’s fast forward to today. We have thousands and thousands of images stored on our phones, mixed in with screenshots of interior design inspirations, recipes, and a myriad of digital clutter.

In this digital avalanche, how do we ever find the time to scroll back and rediscover the images that truly matter? And what if those important memories are deleted by mistake or lost?

The Power of Tangibility

I truly believe that we have to print memories that matter to us.

With digitals now we have the great advantage of choosing what we can print. It’s not more a game of waiting and hoping! You already know what you have but you have to take some time and choose the few that you like and that will make a great place in a frame or an album. I know, it takes time and effort and that’s why most of the time we don’t do it. We are all busy!

That’s why when clients come to me for a London family photoshoot I always suggest they choose a printed product, be it a beautiful custom photo album or some stunning fine art prints for the wall.

When you invest in a family photoshoot, it’s not just about capturing those super special memories. It’s about bringing them to life, making them tangible, and weaving them into the fabric of your daily existence.

Why pay to capture these cherished moments only to have them tucked away on your computer or stored on a USB stick?

Imagine having a consistent style of album for each stage of your family’s journey sitting on your shelves. Or a collection of beautiful photos elegantly displayed on your wall. How different will they impact your daily life? Imagine a smiling portrait of your kids on the hallway wall. It will surely put a smile on your face when you come home from a long day at work. But if that photo is buried in the forgotten place of your digital real, it will never give you the same emotion.

Related post: The Therapeutic Influence of Photos on Daily Well-being

living room displaying 3 framed baby's portraits on the wall

Investing in Memories

I can’t help but feel a sense of joy when I think about holding a physical album in my hands, flipping through its pages, and reliving those moments. It’s not just pictures; it’s the essence of those moments that come flooding back. It’s connecting with your past, sharing stories with your little ones, and sharing a good laugh at those questionable outfits and embarrassing hairstyles you once rocked.

So, if you’re thinking about a family photoshoot, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that extra step of preserving those professionally taken images in a beautifully crafted album or timeless frames. Don’t let your cherished memories get lost in the digital shuffle. Instead, invest in their longevity, share them with future generations, and make them a part of your daily life.

In the end, it’s not just about taking photos; it’s about preserving feelings and memories that you can hold in your hands. With a tangible album, your memories become more than pixels on a screen—they become a living, breathing part of your family’s story.

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

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Valentina | London Motherhood Photographer (@by_valentina)

I hope I made you understand why printing photos still matters.

If you would like to create a special memory for your family, maybe you’re pregnant and want to document your maternity journey or your baby is turning one and would love to capture this milestone, I’ll be thrilled to help you. From planning the shoot to choosing the right photographic product for your home!

But now tell me in the comments, do you keep your photos digitally on your phone, or preserve them printed, maybe in albums to look back on occasionally?

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Wearing the classic jeans + white tee combo

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Mood: somewhere between “let’s create magic” and “I need chocolate.”

Honestly, this was such a fun little thing to try and kinda hilarious to see myself as a 3D mini-me! 🙈

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I might have laughed a little too hard… mostly because she’s not wrong.

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