I am of the belief that a “photograph is only complete when it is printed”.
Photograph is "complete" only when printed is not just the final step in the photographic process, but an essential one that transforms a digital file into a tangible object of art, memory, and meaning. While digital images have their own merits—such as convenience, accessibility, and the ability to share widely—they often lack the depth of experience that comes with a printed photograph. Thus, printing can be seen to fully realize and honour the potential of a photograph.
For me a printed photograph reflects a traditional and perhaps nostalgic view of photography that emphasizes the tactile and physical aspects of the image. While digital photography has revolutionized how we take, share, and store images, the act of printing a photograph brings a different level of permanence, presence, and experience to the image. A digital image remains in a state of suspension.
Here are further considerations:
- Physicality and Tangibility
- Tactile Experience: A printed photograph is something you can hold, touch, and feel. The texture of the paper, the weight, and the method of printing contribute to a sensory experience that digital images can’t replicate. This physical interaction creates a stronger connection between the viewer and the image.
- Material Presence: A photograph on paper exists as a material object in the world. It occupies space, can be framed, hung on a wall, or passed around, making it part of the physical environment. This presence allows the photograph to engage with the viewer in a way that digital images, which are often fleeting and intangible, do not.
- Permanence and Legacy
- Durability: While digital files can be easily lost, corrupted, or become obsolete due to changing technology, printed photographs have a permanence that digital images lack. A well-preserved photograph can last for generations, becoming a cherished heirloom that connects people across time.
- Archival Quality: High-quality prints, especially those made with archival inks and papers, can last for centuries. This long-lasting nature makes printed photographs ideal for preserving memories and history, ensuring they endure beyond the lifespan of digital storage devices.
- Artistic Expression
- Control Over the Final Product: When a photograph is printed, the photographer has complete control over how the image is presented, including the choice of paper, size, and printing technique. This process allows the photographer to fully realize their artistic vision, something that might be lost when viewing the image on different screens with varying resolutions and colour calibrations.
- Craftsmanship: Printing a photograph can be seen as an art form in itself. The selection of paper, the type of print (e.g., matte, glossy, textured), and the process of developing and printing can all contribute to the final piece of art. This craftsmanship is an integral part of the photographic process that is bypassed in digital-only formats.
- Viewing Experience
- Intentionality and Focus: Printed photographs demand a different kind of attention. They encourage viewers to slow down, observe details, and reflect on the image without the distractions that come with digital screens, such as notifications or the temptation to swipe to the next image.
- Context and Presentation: A printed photograph can be part of a curated experience, such as an exhibition or a personal photo album. The context in which a photo is viewed can greatly enhance its impact, giving it a significance that goes beyond the image itself.
- Cultural and Emotional Resonance
- Nostalgia and Tradition: Printing photographs harks back to a time when images were less ubiquitous and more valued. It connects us to the history of photography and the rituals associated with preserving and sharing memories.
- Personal Connection: There is something deeply personal about giving or receiving a printed photograph. It can be a gesture of intimacy, a way of sharing a moment in a form that feels more permanent and meaningful than a digital file.