Printed images vs. digital images
Portraits we have had taken through the years hang in our bedroom, celebrating our relationship.
A few years ago, on the PBS channel, there was a special about the White House photographers who covered the last few presidents. They were recounting stories that were the highlights of their years photographing and documenting the president, his family and the staff. One part stood out head and shoulders above the rest to us and it fortified our heartfelt belief that imagery needs to be printed and displayed for its full impact and enjoyment.
The documentary confirmed this when they described the changing of the photographs on the walls that occurred several times each year and said it was a HIGHLIGHT DAY out of all of the things that happened in the White House.
All of the staff came from near and far to see the new images-it was like an unveiling of a famous art piece. These photographs were large, framed images that the photographer picked out to be displayed on the walls. People milled around, chatting, laughing and commenting on each image. You could see the joy and excitement on their faces. Isn't that the reaction you want with your images as you proudly display them on your walls for friends and family?
Can you imagine if the White House photographer brought these images in on his iPhone or iPad for the unveiling? The contrast is quite stark!
This brings me to the conviction that we have been living and breathing for many years and that is that images need to be printed, framed and hung on the wall for the ultimate personal enjoyment.
Thinking about my own experience, I love walking through our den, seeing the images of our girls with our bulldog, Rock, who passed away several years ago. We still miss him! What memories!
Then on the walk to our bedroom, I see the portrait of our girls that was my Christmas present one year. We saved this rose-laden LM Castner frame for years, just waiting for the perfect portrait to put into it.
In the dining room, we have their Senior portraits hanging in formal frames. My, how different they looked at the same age.
In the living room, we hung a Beau Visage painting I did of Tim’s mother who passed away several years ago, but she still watches over us from her place of honor. Continuing up the stairs, I get to the top and see my mom and dad's image and it gives me such pleasure as they are now both gone.
Memories.
In our bedroom, framed portraits celebrate our marriage of over 40 years with images of the two of us at various times in our lives.
Each time I look at these portraits, displayed throughout our home, the pleasure I receive is immeasurable-priceless. That is the intrinsic value of a printed portrait versus a digital rendition.
Digital photos on devices may display our snapshots, but it will never take the place of beautifully printed and framed portraits of our family.