Growing up, my parents displayed our family photos in our home. I can still remember which ones were printed, and sometimes even the frames they were in! As kids, my siblings and I loved seeing those photos, and other photos as well, as it helped transport us to various stages in our lives.
Fast forward to today. I have thousands of photos stored on my phone, on my external hard drive, and “in the cloud”. It’s so easy to let them just live there. It pains me, as it’s just not the same as having a printed photo in hand, framed on the wall, or in an album in which you can thumb through.
Last summer, we had our own family photos done, and I was determined to get them printed and on the walls. I am so glad we did. Every time I look up at them, it gives me so much joy. We display photos of other loved ones in our home as well, and we especially cherish those of our loved ones who are no longer with us.
When I look around our home and see photos of our loved ones, it gives me a sense of belonging. Belonging to a place, and to each other. This is our house. These are the people we love. We see them right there.
Our family, captured beautifully by Autumn Aguiar Photography. This image hangs in our dining room, where I see it every day.
I recently asked some of the families with whom I’ve worked if they’d share their thoughts on the importance of physical photos. Here’s what they had to say:
“I could have thousands of digital photos, but they all could not match the enjoyment I get when I look at framed prints, holiday cards, or especially our bamboo panel photo prints! My most treasured gifts over the years are the albums I can hold in my hands, the family picture calendars we hang on a real wall, and printed photos of my girls—from budding artist picture ornaments to professionally framed portraits.” - Marta M., Hamilton, MA
“I love having physical photos on our walls and in picture frames because as your walking down the hallway or walking into a room you’re brought back to a wonderful memory or moment in time. It makes you stop and appreciate life’s blessings and all the memories made throughout the years.” Amanda M., Hamilton, MA
“I absolutely love having framed prints on my walls. I’m just finishing up a little renovation/ facelift at our house and my framed prints were the starting points for my redecorating. Time passes so fast, especially with little ones. These pictures help me hold onto the moments for a little longer and treasure the amazing gift of being a mother to my two sweet girls. I’m so grateful for this!
The last couple years have also meant not seeing friends and family as much as we would have liked, so sharing actual photo prints (instead of digital ones) is a wonderful way for our loved ones to have something to look at throughout the day to make them smile even while we are apart.” - Emily S., Georgetown, MA
So… what now? Carve out a few minutes this month. Make a 15 minute appointment with yourself and write it on your calendar. Pick a few favorite photos and print them. Don’t get overwhelmed by choosing the “perfect” one. Just start with a few. Spot them around your home, or give them to a friend. Notice how they make you feel when you see them in your space. Or… take note of the feeling you get when your friend lights up at the sight of your gift. I promise you, it will feel good.
If you need recommendations as to where to professionally print your images, just reach out to me, and I’d be happy to help.