The Importance of Printing Photos

As an Austin family photographer, I have learned first hand, the importance of printing photos and why it matters so much.

You learn some lessons in life inadvertently. For me, the importance of printing photos is one of those things. If you have been here for awhile, you know just how important my grandmother was in my life. You also know just how much she had a hand in my photography career.

The importance of printing photos old black and white photos of my family
Mimi and Poppa (and my daddy as a baby) old black and white paper prints.

If I close my eyes, I can still hear her sweet voice. The way she answered the phone, “heelllo” in her slow southern drawl. If you knew her, you can probably hear it too. We lost her when I was a senior in high school. She was far too young, in her early 60’s. Gosh what I wouldn’t give for another day with her. I honestly thought I had learned all she had to offer. But, a recent find changed all that.

We were at my mom’s for Easter lunch. My mom had been storing a box for me. I thought I knew what everything was in that box. My college diploma, my State of Texas paperweight from my first job at the Texas Senate, and stacks of pictures. Photography is nothing new to me. I have been documenting my life and the world through my lens since junior high.

Surprise!

But, there was one big surprise in that messy overflowing box. A letter. A simple piece of paper. A piece of history in my hands. I was baffled at first. The post mark said 1979. It was perplexing as it looked brand new. I studied it. Looked at the mailing address and return address. I was so confused. It was so thin I didn’t think anything was inside. But, I finally opened the envelope. It took all of two seconds for the tears to start streaming down my face. It was a letter my grandmother had written to me on my second birthday. I turn 42 this year. You would have thought I was a two year old all over again the way I was crying.

I believe with everything in me that this is the reason I am an Austin family photographer and why the power of paper matters.

December 10, 1979

Happy Birthday Jama,

Today you are two years old and Mimi and Poppa want to let you know how very much we love you and how happy we are that God chose our family to send you to. He has surely blessed us all by doing so.

We hope that you have a very nice day for your birthday and it is our prayer that our Lord will bless you and keep you in his care every day of your life and that you will love him with all your heart and grow closer to him each day. Also we pray that you will learn very early in your life to seek His will and guidance daily. This will also be a very important day always for your Mother and Daddy. 

We love you “little lady”. 

Your Mimi and Poppa. 

Letter from my grandma for my 2nd birthday
The actual letter if you want to see it. Me holding a valuable piece of paper, her picture.

If you love it, print it. Let me help show you some ways. A few of my client favorites are albums and wall art.

Austin family photographer torn edge print the importance of printing photos
Torn edge square prints matted and framed as a 20×20 piece of art.
Austin family photographer heirloom album the importance of printing photos
Handcrafted album

It has also been shown that having pictures of your children around the house is great for their self esteem.

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    Jama Pantel Photography
    Austin - Texas

    will travel worldwide
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    Seen In:

    New York Times
    Best Portrait Photographer in Austin
    Professional Photographers of America