As a photographer, I spend a lot of time taking photos, editing, blogging and posting them on social media. However, are these photos only viewed for the 24-hour period (or less) where they are shown on social media, then disappear forever? Personally, I believe it’s important to create and share something tangible and special in this digital age full of buzz and instant gratification. That’s why I started printing my photos and here are some reasons why you should do the same.
1. Improve your editing skills
When you print a photo and hold it in your hand, you start to notice details that you might have missed on your computer or phone screen. You start paying more attention to your chart, zooming in to check out problem areas and noticing dust spots you might have missed.
2. Improve your photography skills
When you print your photos, especially at large sizes, any technical issues with your photos are amplified. This means you will be able to see all the details, both beautiful and problematic. It encourages you to process everything right in-camera, rather than relying on Photoshop or Lightroom to correct your mistakes later.
3. Get inspired
The carefully selected photo printing releases endorphins and makes you smile. It makes you want to go out and create images you can be proud of. The cycle of shooting, editing, printing, and iterating becomes addictive and inspiring.
4. Review old photos
If you’re just starting to print your photos and you have a huge stock of images, it’s fun to go back and rediscover those old gems. When you finally print out an image you took years ago, it’s gratifying to see it in tangible form. It might even inspire you to revisit the places you’ve forgotten and start shooting again.
5. Bring your photos to life
Before I start printing my pictures, they will fade into oblivion after I post them online. By printing your photos, you guarantee that they will last forever. You can give it to a loved one, sell it to a customer or hang it on the wall of your house.
6. Finally satisfied
Printing your photos is fun. Seeing all your hard work and dedication printed on beautiful paper is satisfying and addictive. These are tangible things that you can hold, display, and be proud of.
In a nutshell, printing your photos is an essential aspect of photography. It improves your photography and editing skills, inspires you, encourages you to revisit old photos, ensures that your photos last forever, and ultimately brings satisfaction. Do you have any more reasons to print? Share them with us in the comments section.
