Why Print?
1. Technology is always changing - there is no guarantee that your storage media will still be accessible in a few years (prime example VCR/VHS tapes). Prints will always be viewable.
2. Prints can freeze time (memories fade) - all those events that get documented but forgotten, first care, first day of school, crazy trends and so much more.
3. Create Connections - People who display prints are easily connected with by viewing photos on display of their favorite memories.
4 Prints become heritage item - they can preserve handwriting from people documenting on photos. They are tangible items to stir memories and document your family.
5. Parents/Family will love you - Even though everyone is n social media and sees your photos when you post them its different to have that physical print to pull out and means so much more to people.
Do you know the life of your storage media?
1. CD/DVD - 10-25 years. Colors of the CD/DVD represents the quality of the disc, the best ones to use are gold or silver. But remember discs can easily be erased via magnets.
2. USB/Flash Drives - 10 years. If you use them over and over it will wear out before the life the drive.
3 External Hard Drives - these are the best option for photo storage/backup. There are also good options for online storage. You should have at last 2-3 backups of your photos and they should be kept in different places in case of a disaster.
Whatever you do, do not store your images on memory cards in or out of your camera, they are easily corrupted.
So don't let your photos die before future generations get to enjoy them and document their heritage. Print those photos, there are many places where you can print for less than $0.10 for a 4x6 and many photo book places that have great deals to make a yearly family photo album.
