The Power of Printed Photos
Portraits by Karen Presecan Photography
“Why should I bother to print my photos?”
As a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and VPPA (Virginia Professional Photographer’s Association), I have had opportunities to learn from some of the best photographers in the nation. One common theme I have picked up from all of them is that printed images are important. In my 15 years of being a professional photographer, I’ve more recently seen an increase in clients’ requests for digital files in place of printed images. Admittedly, I’ve gone back and forth between business models of selling digitals or prints. However, my heart is pulled by the importance of displaying family portraits. It has been scientifically proven that when kids see themselves pictured with their family unit, it gives them a sense of happiness, a sense of belonging. As teens, in a time where they tend to be confused, changing, growing, and learning who they are, seeing themselves in their family portrait daily improves their self-esteem and solidifies their sense of belonging. Mental health professionals agree that when children see family images displayed throughout their home, they ultimately feel like they are an important member of their family. They gain the feeling that they matter, their life is important. In the article “Health Benefits of Displaying Family Photos at Home” by Lisa Maccagno, Jaclyn Gulotta, Ph.D. and Vickey Easa, MSW agree that displaying family portraits in the home is a positive action towards self-esteem. Digital images simply don’t have the same effect.
When I learned this, it was like a lightbulb moment. It became a big part of my “why.” I had already been displaying family portraits in my home for years, but now I knew that I wanted to share this with my clients. It makes sense to me. Before I was a photographer, I taught high school students, and I was very aware then of the mental health challenges that kids and teens face. Today, I have my own teens, 19 and 13, and their mental health as well as that of their friends is always in the forefront of my mind. I am not saying that by displaying your portraits you’ll avoid all sadness and/or anxieties in your home. I’m saying that it can help. I can attest that when I walk into my home and see my walls, my heart is full. In 2021 we lost our beautiful family dog of 16 years. I am so thankful that I had our family portrait created with Boomer included in 2019. That image is displayed in a 30-inch by 24-inch frame on a prominent wall in our family room, where we see it every day.
I understand all the hesitations: “What do we wear? What size image do want printed? What would look best in our home, a framed print or canvas?” Family portrait sessions should not be, and don’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. A professional photographer will help you through the entire process, from helping with clothing choices, to chosing location options, to helping decide what images to print and what size and format. With a professional, you are getting someone who is planning well before your session date, someone that understands lighting, posing and composition. A professional will get the right combination of posed and candid images, will have asked what images are most important to you, and will capture those for you beautifully.
Whether you choose KPP as your portrait artist or another company, I encourage you to book a family session with a professional photographer that will create art for your home that will become part of your legacy and will bring you and your family joy that will last a lifetime.
