Clicking Print
In an age where we take and share so many pictures via social media, the processes of actually seeing our images printed has declined dramatically. Unfortunately, clicking share isn’t the same as clicking print. Capturing the image is only half of the process, and I feel that most people have forgotten what it’s like to see images printed; a final product, something that was created, existing physical world. I fell victim to the same mindset, and for years, I simply clicked “share” and never clicked “print”.
This all changed when I broke down a few years ago and purchased a professional photo printer. I had to print a number of pieces for a show, and figured it was a good excuse to purchase a printer. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I haven’t looked back since. I realized in all the time I had been taking photos I had been missing half the process. I realized that processing wasn’t the last step, printing was. I have learned that images that look great on Facebook or Instagram don’t always print that well, and images that aren’t stunning on the screen can be if they are printed. It has been a great learning experience, and the satisfaction of having that finished photograph has been thrilling. I no longer get excited about seeing and image on a screen, I get excited seeing the finished product coming out of the printer.
At a time in our lives where we are so inundated with everything digital, having that physical, analog, tactile image is something that has been lost. It’s something we need to find again. To help with this endeavor, I am going to be giving away a print each month. To qualify, you simply need to follow me on Instagram, follow Facebook page, or sign up on the website. I will randomly pick a winner each month. The winner can pick any image from the website that they would like to have printed.
