The true value of photographs comes from the appreciation of them in the long-term, not just for short-term beauty appreciation through digital devices. And the best way to preserve these memories is through the form of print. In today’s age of digital photography, where thousands of images can be viewed within seconds from our devices, it has clearly diminished the way we value photographs, and the act of viewing images through prints has become a forgotten art. Despite all this, I am here to advocate that printing your work is not just another option, but a commitment to your craft and a way to elevate your photography to a whole new level.
One of the major challenges that we face in today’s digital age is the inconsistent outlook of an image, which varies because of how images are displayed through different digital screens. This variation in terms of screen size, resolution, and color accuracy poses an extreme challenge for photographers to show their work across different media, which can greatly impact how photographs are perceived and interpreted. Images that look vibrant and sharp on one screen may appear to be dull and distorted on another.
A solution to all the above inconsistency will clearly be through printing your photographs. In fact, printing your photographs will change the entire dynamic of how your work is being perceived. It primarily transforms your digital files into something tangible that you can touch, feel, and display. Printing also provides a consistent viewing experience across different lighting conditions and environments. That way, you will be able to have extreme control over how your image is presented and ensure that viewers can see your work as they intended it to be.
Besides, printing can also eliminate the inconsistency of color accuracy in photographs. When you print your photographs, you will be able to choose the type of paper and printing technology to best reproduce the colors and tones that you desire in your images. This level of control is almost impossible to achieve in the world of digital devices unless viewers are forced to calibrate their screens to the industry standards periodically.
Printing will not only ensure color consistency, but they are also capable of revealing details and textures that may go unnoticed on a lower-resolution screen. Subtle nuances in your photographs become more apparent, allowing viewers to engage with your work on a deeper level. This, in return, will improve the way you work on your images as a professional photographer and deliver a higher-quality print in the long run.
Printing also allows viewers to slow down and appreciate the art of photography in a tangible format, which creates a more profound emotional connection between you, your audience, and your subject. The physicality of prints evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that all digital images often lack due to digital fatigue.
Lastly, in a world that is increasingly dominated by digital screens and the inconsistency they bring to our visual experience, the act of printing your photographs is a powerful and meaningful commitment to your craft. It not only transcends the digital realm but also addresses the issues of variance and inconsistency that digital screens introduce. When you print your photographs, you are saying: “This is more than just a moment captured; it’s a piece of art from my soul, presented with precision and care.” So, as a photographer, take that leap, make that commitment, and let your images come to life in the physical world. Your work deserves it, and so do you.
