Print your photos. Give them to people you like.
Holding a physical photograph I have taken is always an incredibly rewarding experience. There are times when I literally gasp in delight when I see some of my photographs in print. A person need not be a ‘photographer’ — anyone who takes photographs, whether on a phone or with a camera, can see and feel the value of having some of their favourite moments in print.
We so rarely give creative gifts anymore. In the past, it was commonplace to send a postcard or send photographs to family as gifts. That doesn’t happen much anymore.
In a world that has gone almost entirely digital, it feels so satisfying to create something analog or physical. There is a feeling that is difficult to describe just how fulfilling it is to have taken a photo and then to be holding it in our hands. It’s a moment captured, with the process completed by having it printed. But it’s that final process of holding something tangible we’ve created that is incredibly rewarding.
“Bring your work to life! Too often our work gets buried in folders on our computer or lost in our phones. Your work deserves to be printed and put on display. Whether it’s a favorite piece, a past adventure, or just some photos of your kids, holding your work in your hand or seeing on display is one of the most fulfilling parts of the creative process.”
Pro DPI
Here are a few benefits of having photos printed:
- They look better in print: Photographs look better in print, and don’t be afraid to go large. But don’t discount how great a simple 4×6 photo looks and feels.
- Final Step: It’s the final step in the artistic process. The tactile form of our art is so rewarding.
- They make great gifts: Whether gifting a single 4×6, notecards or postcards from one of your photos, a photo book or ‘zine,’ or a framed image.
And perhaps one of the most important things of all … absolutely everyone — photographer or non-photographer — should print their favourite images simply to remember and have a tangible record of certain moments.
With Christmas giving in mind right now, consider getting some of those favourite photos off your phone or computer and have them printed. Give them as gifts. Your memories are worth sharing. Gift your favourite photographs to those who matter to you.
“An image in hand can touch your heart more deeply than an image on a computer screen. Printed photographs are gifts.”
meredith winn
P.S. I’m no videographer but I have a video showing our 2020 ‘yearbook.’ For several years now, rather than creating a photo album, I have been making our home yearbook as an informal photo book but the last one I made as a zine. Perhaps it will inspire you.
If you enjoyed this why not share it with a friend or post about it on social media. Thank you for reading and sharing your time with me. — Diane
you are correct about hand made gifts and even gifts purchased with an intimate appeal to the recipient. i should hold my tongue/typing fingers, but what can we expect from a culture that doesn’t even like to prepare their own meals in the kitchen?
the photo of your snapshots is very nostalgic. i should go through my old film photos and negatives and put together new collections. i quit printing photographs at least 20 years ago and still haven’t been self-motived even with all of your encouragement to do so.
I’ve given some canvases as gifts. It was one from an early morning sunrise over Lake Michigan. I also had the same made for a blank wall in my office at Village Hall. I have always had a hard time choosing the right photos for a book and the layout usually consumes even more time. I loved your layout in the video.