The Greatness of a Photo

The Headlines:

We live in the age of digital pictures.

But there's something to be said for printing those puppies out…

Especially for children.

Here's why. 



I know, I know… many of us never hold a copy of a picture in our hand anymore.  They're all in our phones, iPads, computers… on Facebook or Instagram… we can look at them whenever we want with the flick of a finger.  It's less costly and one less thing to put on the "to-do" list.  I get it.  But I maintain there's something to be said for looking at a paper picture, amongst others in an album.  Especially if you're under the age of 17.  Stay tuned, I'll explain.

First of all, I will say, I have always hated "scrapbooking."  I was not one of those women, 10 years ago, who collected all that cool paper, stickers, jewels… whatever that stuff was… and put it into one, amazingly detailed and over-the-top book.  No.  I even knew some gals who actually went to "scrap camp" every year.  Me?  I cringed at the thought of it.  I'm sure they probably went to escape the kids and have girl time but couldn't you do that at some beach or pool instead?  Then, I'd be all in.   Point is, scrapbooking - no… photo album - sure.  I'm talking about a simple book to place all your photos, chronologically, neatly and sweetly.  Like this.

Front

Inside

I have been doing these since I was in high school.  Mainly because, my mom didn't.  She actually wouldn't let me see or touch the photos they took, which weren't many anyways.  They were all hidden away and therefore, I had this crazy desire to see them.  I remember wanting to know/see my personal history: what I looked like and who I was as a tyke.  So I would sneak looking at the pictures!  My parents never knew I was a "closet-family-photo-peeper.."  yep, that was seriously about the extent of my rebellion growing up.  Mom and Dad had it good!

But it led me to understand kids really want/need to see these family photos.  I think they're curious about their past so it can help define their future.  They also want to see they were loved and doted on.  It's important to them.  It gives them a sense of security.  The pictures printed are tangible.  Something they can physically wrap their hands around, frame, put on their cork boards.  And that means something to a child.  It's just different than looking at the I-Pad.  I maintain it's a tad better.  No, your child won't become a serial killer if they're pictures are all trapped on an I-Pad - nothing like that - but the paper photos or a photo album, much like a book, has a different and special purpose too!

So while I have my photo album… my daughter has this…

Ever since she was a wee one she fills, maintains and has full access to her own album so she can look at it whenever she wants.  She's loved it.  Same with the little guy.  This is him showing his album to our dog, Maverick!

Seriously...

If you're looking to try this… obviously you can find albums anywhere… I just got these at Target for like 10 bucks. 

But any kind will work.  Don't spend too much on them because the point is they're your child's.  My KOLO albums costs a lot to maintain.  Heck, I can't even get them in stores anymore - I have to order them and their re-fill pages on line so those they don't get handled very often.  The kid albums, on the other hand, get handled all the time.  They will get messed up.   But that's the point.    

My family and I treasure our little books.  They are so much more than what they seem.  Somehow they help provide clarity.  The pictures reassure us by showing happy times that help our memories recall feelings that may have long, gone dormant.  They remind us where we've been, who we were - what we are now and perhaps the pictures of yesterday gives us hints as to who we'll become tomorrow.  

plus

they're just really fun to look at!!!