When I studied photography 20+ years ago, creating images was a two-step process. You set up your shoot and then develop your images. Each shot was intentional and thought out. I didn't want to waste expensive darkroom supplies or create something I wasn't proud of. The goal was always to create a beautiful image. Something that captured a memory or became a piece of art.
Now, 20+ years later, we shoot in digital. I am a chronic over-shooter, often taking 1,000+ images in a single shoot. I know I will throw out 98% of them. Closed eyes, blurry focus, over-exposure, they all go in the digital trash can. I have over 20,000 images of my family, sitting on my hard drive. My beautiful children, celebrating milestones, changing, and growing. I print a small percentage to display and share.
Why is it so important to print our photos? Isn't the goal the same as it was 20+ years ago? We want to create beautiful images. Something that captured a memory or something we could call art.
Instagram posts will be forgotten, you're printed photos will be treasured for a lifetime.
Photographs document history. This is a photograph of my grandfather in 1946. He took frequent photographs to document his life and capture memories. He probably wasn't considering his 14-year-old great-granddaughter and the questions these would spark 80+ years later.
The sweet little girl on the right is my Grandmother, taken in 1930(ish).
I'm grateful to have many photos to document my family's history. They are treasures that will be preserved and handed down through generations.
Displaying family photos in your home also builds confidence in your children. It reinforces the family unit and shows them daily that they are loved and cared for.
“When children grow up seeing photos of themselves proudly displayed around their home, it says to them, ‘I am a valuable and important member of my family. I matter.’”
-Jaclynb Guloytta PHD
Don't forget the 2nd step in the photography process, PRINT Your photographs. Give your loved ones the gift of family history and the bond that comes with it.
Pick the perfect size and frame to compliment your photograph, and make a piece of art.
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