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Writer's pictureGwendolyn Houston Jack

The Psychology of Holding a Printed Photo

Our world today is definitely digital. Everything we do is online, from Instagram to streaming TV and movies and even reading the news. We even store our documents and photos in the cloud rather than take the time to purchase prints or create scrapbooks.


Two metal prints offered by G Photography: one is a young black teen boy in his cap and gown and the other is a black teen boy in his suit and white button down shirt.
Metal prints are an easy way to share favorite images.

Be honest: How often have you taken photos on your phone and forgotten about them until you scrolled through your images later? Or have you ever had professional photos taken and put on a flash drive or disc, only to never print them?


You're not alone if either of these things has happened to you. Digital images are incredibly convenient, but they're also easy to forget about or lose. Even if you upload photos to social media, you may forget entirely that they're there until someone likes or comments on them.


Three piles of printed photo images wait to be added to a photo album.
Piles of photos waiting to be added to a photo album

Printed images and albums may seem like a thing of the past, but they still strongly affect us, even in our online world. A photo can evoke strong emotions and take us back to a specific time and place—even to people who are gone.


Psychologists have found that holding a printed photo can improve a person's mood. By reminding ourselves of positive times with people we love, we can reflect on who we are and how far we've come. We can also remember what we value most in life: our relationships.


Images stored on our phones and computers give us easy access to memories. However, when we don't print our photos, we deprive ourselves and our children of the opportunity to enjoy memories. Seeing printed images of themselves can help boost a child's self-esteem and reassure them of their place and value in the family unit.


By creating a photo album or hanging prints on the wall, you're not only giving yourself a chance to look back on past days. You're also providing your children—and one day grandchildren—with an opportunity to look back at days they don't remember. It's time to see how the family has grown and changed over the years and better to understand their identity and place in the world.


Two printed gold frame images of a young black girl.
Children need to see themselves daily.

The next time you schedule a professional photo session, don't just opt for digital files only. Instead, think of the future and how valuable and timeless printed photos will be to you, your family, and the generations yet to come.


Fall is the perfect season to schedule a family portrait session or a holiday photo session. Book your free consultation today to take advantage of the great weather in Arlington and the surrounding DFW area. Click this link to book a consultation: photo consultation with G Photography by G.

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