IRL……

Digital technology is grand! We have our music, photographs and even books all conveniently stored away inside of our computers. This allows us to save all kinds of space, as well as keep so much of what we love with us at all times, ready to enjoy at the touch of a button. However, being a photographer, I have to say that I am head over heels about the final outcome of my time behind the camera…….the printed photographs. The ones I can touch, hold and see in real life. I become completely giddy when my lab orders arrive and I get to pull out, see and mat the images my clients have chosen from their photography session. I also of course, adore any photo in person. Snapshots. My own, my friend’s, old ones, new ones, I’m not picky. I’ve realized that lately, seeing a photo album in person has become all the more special and such a treasure.

For a while, I have had on my mind that I would like to start printing some of my photography for no other reason than to have it in person. I didn’t really have any plans for it. But it wasn’t getting done either, because I have it all right there on my computer and everyone can see what they need from there. I have lots of product and size samples for my business, but we photographers just don’t seem to need real portfolios anymore. Well, I recently have had the need to have some printed work for some upcoming meetings and things I have going on, so that put a fire under me to get the job done. And, my point of all of this is to just say wow. I really do wish I had done this sooner. To lay so much out in person has been really inspiring and brought out all kinds of ideas, both creatively and business wise……… besides the original intention of just needing them for a couple of meetings. I am seeing the work in a new light and kind of objectively….and this always inspires new ideas.

My little book was a gift from some cherished friends for Christmas. I’d like to get a few more of these. It is 12×12 in size as is the photography inside. The act of simply slipping the photographs into the sleeves was old school and fulfilling. Since I was feeling pretty moved by this process, I was excited to put it out there……. to photographer friends, design friends, artist friends and to hobbyists of any kind. Print your work up retro style and see what new life it brings into your passion. Whether having it for yourself or for others to see, being able to view some of your heart and soul in person can be pretty dang cool. *****Oh, this is a reminder for us to do this with our personal snapshots too. I so need to get ours off of the computer. No need to over think it or be overwhelmed. Just pick up some albums and get started.