Why Prints Still Matter in the Digital Age

The digital technology has certainly done wonders for photography and photographers with the likes of photo apps and disc storage as among the best tools of the trade. Indeed, the shift from analog to digital has largely been a positive experience.

But while professional photographers and photo enthusiasts are exploring the new digital tools and techniques in creating better images, you may want to keep one or two things from the analog world, so to speak. One of these things is the physical print, the ink-on-paper manifestation of your artistic work.

Of course, the physical print versus digital storage discussion still remains controversial. But when you come to think of the reasons why prints still matter in the digital age, you will want your best shots to be printed in professional labs like Costco Photo.

Prints Will Survive the Changes in Storage Media

Keep in mind that digital media will go in and out of style, thanks to the fast developments in technology. You will find that the digital files of today will be obsolete tomorrow, so to speak, which means that the difficulty of accessing the images contained in them will increase.

This is a trend that is becoming evident in recent years. Today, images are stored in DVDs and CDs, the popular mode of digital file storage. But changes are coming including the fact that Apple will not install optical drives in their personal computers and, thus, DVDs and CDs will become obsolete.

In contrast, a physical print will not be adversely affected by these changes in digital technology. You will always have the physical prints in your possession, one of the reasons why most people still request professional photographers for prints in albums.

Prints Can Be Enjoyed Without Gadgets, Electricity, and the Internet  

There’s something so romantic and nostalgic about holding physical prints in your hands, caressing the faces of the people you love pictured in them, and reminiscing about them. Your brain can more easily dig up its memories when it has images to look at, too – and you don’t have to charge your laptop or tablet, turn it on, and browse through its files!

You as well as your family and friends can take turns browsing through the albums and exchanging memories, too. You don’t even have to connect to the Internet – if you’re the type who likes to store photos on websites like social media and photo sharing sites – since the prints are already there in your hands.  

Plus, there’s always the possibility that your photos can become family heirlooms and part of family history, especially when you write dedications and background stories on the back.  You will not find the same appeal in handing down hard drives, CDs, and DVDs as well.