I’ve written on print vs digital (both have pros and cons) but for this post I want to share why it’s still important to have physical printed copies of your images. Call me a traditionalist, but until humans evolve past the confines of corporeal form, they will still dwell in physical buildings with walls & tables just screaming to have art on them. Some of that art should be the photos you’ve made. Here’s why:
Personalization
Whether your work is hung all over the house or just in your room, whenever people see it they will know you live there. Our work reveals a great deal about ourselves as artists. Not only does it show our aesthetic, but it also reveals unspoken bits of our personality as well.
Recollection
Through the hustle & bustle of life and stresses of adulthood, sometimes we can lose sight of why we chose to pursue this path. We may get in a rut or question our worth as photographers. When your pieces are displayed, you pass by them every day. You can’t help but look at the work you’ve done and remember how exciting that session was. The joy the client felt when you gave them those images afterwards is another positive reminder of why you love doing this.
Inspiration
I probably sound like a broken record, but living an inspired life is living a contented life. Looking to those you admire is great, but once you can look to yourself as a guide you can really push out of your comfort zone. Seeing previous projects will often make more visuals appear in your head and can prompt an even more satisfying shoot later on.
You don’t have to only post your images on the walls. You may not have enough space or have a different theme going on. There is also the option of making a book or album. This is especially nice for travel photography or a long series you’re working on. Even if you print small 4×6’s and put them in a frame on a side table, you’ll have all the benefits mentioned above. No matter which option you go with, I hope you do get a chance to print your favorites and share your passion with all who see them.
May the light be with you.
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