The Value of the Printed Image

One of the things we love about this digital age is that people can easily share their stories with friends and family, whether near or far, through so many different avenues.

While some may think this sounds old-school, we believe that even with the advent of technology, nothing can replace a printed image. Stories come to life when they are in print. Each time you see that treasured moment on your wall, on your desk, or in an album, it reminds you of the people who shared your story, and triggers the emotions and memories attached to it.

When we present our clients with their album or prints, their faces light up as they see their story unfold. They comment on how much more meaningful the prints are compared to viewing the images on their online gallery, on how their story comes to life when they see it in print, and they can’t wait to show everyone.

For some, a printed image is the most valued possession they have. In our experience, people we have photographed in a small West African village still have those photos attached to the mud wall of their grass roofed hut ten years later. Photographs they proudly show to everyone who visits. In other cases, we have met people who travelled hundreds of kilometres from one village to another and the most precious item they carry with them is that one album or photograph they have of their family.

In some ways it seems we have lost this reverence for the printed image. So, while we continue to build our digital libraries with thousands of images, printed photographs are the real keepsakes. Digital mediums change, systems crash, and our digital images go with them. But, we can always keep those printed photographs and the history that goes with them close to our hearts.

The photo of my grandparents featured in this post is just one such keepsake for which I am thankful.

~Sheryl