Digital photography is wonderful. The technology has allowed photographers to push the boundaries of what is possibly both technically and artistically. I love it. I think one of the big downsides of digital is the lost art of the print.
Not that long ago, you needed to have your film developed to see what your photos looked like. You had this tangible thing in your hand that you sorted through, put in albums and shared with other people. As someone who comes from a fine art background, I find this really powerful. I spent hours in the darkroom making prints and I think something that you can hold is a little more precious. It’s an experience that you can’t get with an online gallery.
I am guilty of uploading photos of my daughter onto my hard drive and letting them sit there. I have THOUSANDS of photos of Savannah that have never been printed. I had a great experience a little while ago that got me thinking about the importance of printing out your photos, especially your wedding photos.
My in-laws celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago. While we were in Ireland this summer (which is where my husband’s family is from), my husband’s aunt brought out my in-laws wedding album for us to see. It had been in the family home since my in-laws had moved to America.
It was magical! We saw them so young and happy. The fashion and style of the guests was so fun to see. Conor’s aunt would spot someone in a photo and tell us a story about them. She remembered all of the funny moments of the day like it was yesterday. She remembered her feelings of the day. It was such a lovely glimpse into family history. I don’t think that’s something you can get with a DVD of images. Who knows what format we’ll be using 40 years from now? My brilliant husband suggested that we scan, restore and make a new flush mount album for them as an anniversary gift. The old one was falling apart a little.
Most of my collections come with an album and there are few things I love more than delivering a gorgeous finished product to a client. They are true heirlooms that are constructed to last for a long, long time. However, there are tons of options for you! At the very least, print out your favorite images so 40 years from now you can tell your favorite wedding day stories.
Here are some of the spreads from my in-laws wedding album. Enjoy!
.jpg "page01")
.jpg "page02")
.jpg "page04")
show hide 3 comments
shannon, love your take on this important issue. it really is eye-opening in the age of digital and flashing photo frames requiring a plug and electricity. it’s equally adorable that Connor is a spitting image of his father!
I know right? That was fun for us both to see. The other amazing thing is that Conor’s brother wears his hair the exact way Austin did in these photos. You can’t fight genetics.
i admit i didn’t really read your blog post so when i scrolled down and was like “is that conner?” wait? what? I dont get it. then i was like oooooohhhhhhh