A photograph only becomes a photograph once it's printed.
Let that sink in.
That's a huge statement isn't it?
How many of us print our photographs regularly?
I am going to hold my hand up here and say - not enough.
We are all guilty of snapping away on either a phone or camera and not always sharing the final outcome.
In a world where we are collectively taking thousands of photographs each day, the amount of images we are printing for the family album is dwindling.
Back when I was a child, waiting to see your photographs was not only highly exciting, it was a lasting feeling.
There was no option to digitally view the image on the back of the camera or delete the bad ones, you simply had to send them off to be developed and be surprised on what you had captured. Hand on heart, I would not want to give up my current digital camera for my old Pentax k1000 or my Nikon F65 (they are sat right in front of me on the shelf mind!), but part of me mourns the old process of waiting - something we are not that good at in 2018!
A printed photo does something that images on a computer will never do, it gives you a tangible moment to relive over and over. They become one of the first things we reach for in times of sadness, times when we need to spark a memory and simply times when we want to time travel to parts of our lives that only now remain as flat surfaces.
A study in 2009 was conducted exploring the importance of printing and displaying your family's images within the home. Children whose parents display family photographs in the home grow up with greater confidence and sense of belonging. Having printed moments on display within the home reportedly makes children feel valued and gives them a rich understanding of where they come from.
Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester: 'We cannot under estimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging. They cement us into our networks. For children in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socialising process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.'
When asked by clients if I ever do collections that just include digital files and my answer is no. I believe that my work is always best viewed printed, best seen in your hands and always loved far more on paper than on hard drives. I also love the reaction of seeing my clients really 'see' their images.
This week I had a print delivery of my own personal printed images and I couldn't wait to share and show the children. I'm on a mission to bring back the family photo album and I can not wait to place these heirlooms inside.
My children also did something which we never do with a digital image on a screen, they pondered and they slowed down. There was no scrolling for the next photo hit or swiping to see more, they simply held onto their photo and looked. This is how photographs should be viewed, with time and a lingering eye. That's why I am passionate about making sure all my clients leave with art work that they can hang and enjoy over time. The children also proudly claimed a photo each for their bedroom and gave Nanny one as a gift for her photo wall!
A photograph only becomes a photograph once it's printed.
I am shouting out to all reading this.
Record your moments, print your loves and write on the back.
I am offering all family sessions, booked this week for 2018 - 2019 a complementory print, a gift from me to you, to place in your family's history album. Click HERE to book today.
Family Storytelling Sessions and Day In The Life Sessions are available across the whole of the UK and beyond.
Based in Portsmouth Hampshire I am perfectly located for families along the South Coast.
Click HERE to contact me today.
Love Karah - The Glass Narrator
OUR HISTORY - VISUALLY - DOCUMENTED - PRINTED - PRESERVED
The Glass Narrator
