I’ve just been reminded in a big way why I should be printing photos, rather than leaving them on my computer, or depending on Instagram to save my memories!
I’m talking about my still life images … not family photos. I simply did not have any idea as to what to do with them. Oh, I’ve had a couple done up on canvas frames, which is wonderful, but a person only has so much wall space right?
In September, hubby and I took a trip out to British Columbia and stayed at the beautiful and magical Emerald Lake Lodge near Field.
One of the things I really enjoyed about our stay was the hike around the lake, where I gathered bits and pieces of local flora and fauna which I then pressed and saved in my beautiful leather journal. But what I loved most was, after getting back to our cozy little room, setting up little vignettes, taking photos, and making notes. And from all of this, the The Journal Series was born.
And then, ta da! I had these images printed and now they too reside inside my journal for keeps! So today I’m going down memory lane with these beautiful square prints from Inkifi!
They’re printed on premium, smooth fine art paper with a natural, matte finish and are utterly gorgeous!
I also absolutely love my Arizona series, which are soon to be hanging up on our magnetized wall frame.
5 Reasons You Should Be Printing Photos
- It’s thrilling to hold your hard work in your hands … for reals! The feel of good quality paper cannot compare to a phone or computer screen. I’ve also been studying them to see where I might improve my photography in terms of lighting, focus, and composition. A photograph doesn’t lie.
- They are fabulous souvenirs. You can display them around the house, and let others enjoy them. Start a gallery on your fridge! start a mood board! and change it with the seasons—it’s inexpensive and inspiring.
- You can use them as a spark for writing in your journal: where were you? what were you doing? what time of year was it? The possibilities are endless.
- You can give them to family and friends. Mount them on a beautiful piece of fine card stock and attach to the top of a gift box. You can’t do that with a digital image ;)
- They’ll still be around 50 years from now and your great-grandchildren will be able to pull them out of a box and appreciate what things were like “back then”. The fact that you were printing photos will truly be appreciated when that happens!
The intent of a photograph should be to produce a print. It is then that the transition from an image to an artifact is made.
Gary Doyle Thomas
Disclosure: Inkifi generously offered to print a selection of my images for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Inkifi. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!
I think the record of what was blooming or growing at a time and place is interesting too. Also… I have a photo of my fathers attic play space from the 1950’s and I find it so fascinating even though there are no people in it… so yes, artifacts are important!
I love that my still life images reflect my real life … they really do tell a story. Thank you so much for dropping by today Elizabeth!
Love the idea of printing little images that can be tucked into books and used as gift tags. I’ve printed some of mine that hang on the walls, but mostly I print them to use in a perpetual calendar that hangs in the kitchen. The calendar came with four 7″X 6″ – one for each season, that slide into the top of it. I’ve been printing my images to use in place of the other four. Great post, Barb.
So awesome Carol! I’m hooked this time … and I’ll be ordering from Inkifi again (truly the quality is amazing.)
Your prints look beautiful! I will definitely be checking out Inkifi. How did you find the pricing and shipping charges? Reasonable for Alberta?
P.S. I am ArtisticWhimsy on Instsagram :)
Thank you so much Maria! Just take a quick trip over to their site and have a peek at charges … and exchange rates before you make any decisions. xo
Those are some great ideas Barb! I hadn’t thought of using them in my journal. Your images look lovely printed. :)
Thank you so much Rosa!
I just had some of my photos printed into notecards with a different company but if they don’t turn out, I’ll try Inkifi. I agree-they’re timeless and timely. LOVE the Arizona pics-WOW!!
Thank you so much Kathy! I too love my AZ series … plan to do more ;)
Your vacation journal is simply amazing Barb! I love the idea of gathering the flora and fauna bits to place inside the journal, and how you used them while there to make beautiful stills! But the best part are the prints that you’re tucking into the journal also. For the past year I’ve been printing many of mine on note cards, and square cards through a USA company and they get used up quickly – either as gifts or sending as special notes to friends and family. Lovely post and beautiful images.
Thank you so much Beverly! Yes, this journal now comes with me everywhere!
Hi Barb, We had the same idea , and I had some printed last winter. Different company. I love them and they too are in my journal.
Were alike in a small way, I have the same journal and bought my hubby the same but bigger. Love the leather and mine ties.
Loved this post and so so many more of yours. Your images sure speak to me and hold a place in my heat.
Happy November.. and eeeee I had bees around my house today ;-0. Get out and enjoy also.
xoxo
A place in my Heart. oppps. for the typo. Geeesh that can happen fast.
You’re so right. And I love your montage with the coffee cup.
Lovely idea. I often wonder what will I do with all the photos I snapped and what good are they just living on my computer. And another print resource to try. Thanks Barb!
Thank you Debby!
Your photographs are excellent Barb. Could I also suggest that it’s time for you to have them turned into a photo book…
Your images would make a very classy coffee table book. :)
Thank you Catherine!
Another reason to print them is that computer and hard drives crash ;-( I have some precious photos on a drive that just won’t wake up …
What beautiful styling (as usual)!
Barb, thank you for the push!
After my 365-day “Set it to Happy”
challenge, I’ve got a lot of images
that make me smile, and it would
be great to share them somehow
other than on social media.
Even a big bowl placed on a coffee
table with these square photos
residing loosely inside for visitors
to sift through would be very pleasing!
I will check out Inkifi : )
Thank you!
Suzanne xo
I have one of your awesome cards held upright on a card holder in my office. It’s in my line of vision when I sit in my easy chair with my laptop. So often I’ve looked at it and admired the spare and beautiful image. Your photo bring beauty to yourself and others. Thank you.