Nothing Says it Better Than A Photographic Print
By Drew Hendrix–
Printed and framed photos can speak to you in ways digital ones cannot. © dumicanmosey.com
I have a friend whose daughter died when she was a teenager but he still greets her every day with: “Hi kiddo, how’s it going?” And he says she always replies with a smile from within her picture frame on the wall.
He told me that when he views her image on a computer or cellphone screen, it just doesn’t seem as real. Nor would many of our memories be as pleasurable to recall if they had to be dug out from layers of folders each time we wanted to revisit them.
There are many methods you can use to enhance small, printed photos. Find them at miadecora.blogspot.com
Viewing photos on an LCD screen lacks the reality that a paper print, large or small, can replicate. Somehow, it falls short– like a monotonous merry-go-round ride after flying the loops of a roller coaster and experiencing that exciting rush.
Printing your images can also give you a rush. You’ll feel a new-found sense of closeness with them when they’re hanging on the wall or clustered on tables or desks in standalone picture frames. And they’ll always be there for you to enjoy, any time of the day or night.
Don’t be limited to printing pictures of friends and family. That magnificent tropical sunset framed by towering palms will sweep you back into time when you see it as a big blow-up. Why diminish its grandeur by viewing it on a PC, tablet or cellphone screen, washed out by ambient light or marred by a myriad of reflections? Or hemmed in by menus, icons and opened files.
Panoramic views make stunning wall hangings when printed and framed. Photo © Helene Glassman
Prints change their personalities depending on how the room is lit at a particular time of day. Like people, they have mood swings and communicate them to you, sometimes mirroring your own and sometimes not– which makes each encounter a new experience, something a digitally-viewed version simply cannot do.
This 1930s album photo looks great when blown up and displayed. The small original has a handwritten note on the reverse side.
Pictures in albums and scrapbooks have always been enthusiastically viewed by families since photography began There’s a special kind of impact created when many related images are grouped together on a page– all working in concert to achieve a unique effect that is the sum of its parts. Just turning the pages, touching the photos and reading handwritten notes and dates on them is impossible to achieve when viewing pictures on digital media.
Abstract and fine arts images beg to be printed and hung so they can continually reveal nuances that haven’t been noticed before. Don’t let them languish as unseen files or you’ll miss the opportunity to explore their many fascinating details.
You can discover new details each time you view a large, fine art print on the wall. “Cold Morning” © Al Lockwood
Portraits are especially strong when printed large; they become almost life-like. Actress Brigitte Bardot once said: “A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.” And, indeed, the eyes in some portraits seem to follow you around the room.
Prints can turn a drab space into one that becomes warm and inviting– even romantic. Some photos can be inspiring, still others can add classicism and tranquility to areas. Surround yourself with pictures; they’ll make your spirits rise as they warmly welcome you into their world each day.
We all know the saying about a picture being worth a thousand words. If your pictures are only worth whispers, then by all means view them digitally. But if you want them to speak clearly and with conviction, then start outputting them on paper because nothing, absolutely nothing, says it better than a photographic print.
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October 5, 2016
This is a great article. Art and photos come alive when they are on paper. I am a graphic designer and have designed cards for many years. Sending a paper greeting card (whether a photo or graphic design) for someone to hold and enjoy over and over is a delight as opposed to sending a fleeting electronic message.
Using your prefolded beautiful card stock has made printing easier and fun for me.
Thanks,
Judy Kost
September 21, 2016
I’m really big on making memories, especially with my 4 grand daughters. When I’m with them I’m always taking pictures. I turn these pictures into digital scrapbook pages and every year on their birthday they receive their own memory book. I try to make them each two pages for each month from the past year. Included in the book is a special letter to them written by Papa. These little girls will be reminded of the love we had for them long after we’re gone.
September 21, 2016
I agree with all your statements. I just wrote a book about vintage photography in Puerto Rico. I described the experience of viewing a photo album: caressing, touching and even kissing some of the photos.
September 10, 2016
Well no doubt, Printed pictures are essential part of interior decoration. If not pictures, most people do frame some of their stuff which is important. Like any prize or any award or degree. But I agree, cell phones made these things slightly apart from our minds. Kids these days don’t know the happiness one get after taking picture on film and then wait for film to get developed. Lol, good old days. Still miss them alot
May 8, 2016
Well said Drew. In present ERA, the charm of printed photograph has be greatly affected by cell phones and laptops. The true value of a printed photograph is being lost and day by day its going out of the picture of life. Printed picture beautifully framed and hung on the wall of your room makes you thousand times more happy than if its in your cell phone or somewhere in deep folders in laptop. Besides they add beauty to the decorum of your house, printed and framed photographs is a perfect way of preserving precious memories.
November 12, 2015
Photographic print is better than any other way.
June 20, 2015
I agree with this post 100%. Never have been a fan of LCD photo frames. There is nothing like printed paper in my opinion. The amount of change you can make for any given room in your house by changing the art you hang is dramatic.
May 6, 2015
I liked your post very much.
I do agree with your point that posters when printed large become life-like.
Posters usually look like artwork when framed.