Taking photos has never been easier. In this digital age we have cameras in our phones, tablets and there are many affordable camera options if you want a DSLR or a travel camera. As a result, we are snapping pictures more frequently than any other time in history. If you look back over photos from your own childhood, then photos of your parents, you’ll find there were far fewer images of them than you have of your own children on your phone alone!

Being able to capture so many wonderful moments with ease is fantastic, but when is the last time you printed them? Printing your own photos can be done quickly and easily online now compared to when our parents had to take film to be developed. Please make sure you get them printed professionally though, as it makes a difference to the colour and quality! Making the time to print your photos also provides you with the opportunity to relive those experiences and streamline your digital photos to be ones you truly want to keep.

Here are 5 reasons why you need to print your photos.

1. It increases your child’s self esteem We all want to do what’s best for our kids and raise them to be confident adults. Various research has shown that the number of photos displayed of a child within the home has a direct connection to their capabilities and confidence when they are older. Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester said “For children in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socialising process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.”

2. Data degrades What would you do if that usb, your phone or laptop, with all your photos on it suddenly stopped working? Or you dropped it in water and all the data is gone? Devices are not designed to last forever and accidents happen. I know I’d be devastated if it happened to me and I don’t want any of you to feel this pain! Firstly, backup your files to help prevent the loss of data, but also print the photos. You took the photos for a reason, print them, display them and have them for future generations.I’ve shared 5 things to do after your newborn photography session which covers this in more detail and you can apply these tips to other photos as well.

3. Memories Looking back on stages of our lives brings back wonderful memories, sparks conversations with others and connects us. The birth of your baby, their first steps, their first food, their best friends, first day of school. All of these moments are milestones which should be celebrated and remembered.Think about your own childhood. How often did you pour over the photo albums, looking at when you and other family members were younger, reliving holidays and special occasions through the photos within them? While we take more photos than any generation ever before, we print less which means we have fewer opportunities to relive memories with our loved ones and connect in that way.

4. Building relationships Look at your favourite photos, why do you love them? Most people love particular photos because they remind them of happy times with loved ones and have loved ones in the picture. Photos strengthen relationships and memories. Capturing that special moment then having it displayed or within an album to reference anytime helps solidify those relationships and moments.

5. Make someone’s day Since printing photos is so rare, taking the time to print a photo of a loved one and giving it to them has so much meaning. Grandparents especially treasure images of their grandchildren which they can proudly display.

What images will you print and how will you display them?

Amy Tong is a multi award-winning newborn and baby photographer in Sydney’s Inner West. She is a fully accredited member of the AIPP, mentor and teacher.