The Pure Fun of Photography and Appreciating "Memory Lane"

by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday Morning Reflections and I never know what I want to write about until I sit down at the computer. For some reason, this morning my head is filled with an, almost overwhelming appreciation, for the career path I stumbled into so many years ago...photography.

Here's the scenario that got me going today about my love for capturing memories...

Sheila has been beating me up for years to get her prints of the photographs we've taken. Sadly, while I talk a good game about being organized, photographs are everywhere electronically. From my computer, to laptop, the cloud, Shutterfly, our phones, an old computer and a couple of jump drives, I've managed to replicate the equivalent of those memory-filled shoeboxes of photos my mother had!

For her birthday in March, months earlier I started to pull together all the files. I hit Hobby Lobby for a coffee table memory box and started watching all the special print offers from Shutterfly. I filled the box with over a thousand 4x6 prints. It was the perfect birthday present, and has become the gift that keeps on giving.

These pictures, combined with our memories make up our story together. Giving them even more impact, Sheila sorted them by by both trips/events and in chronological order. Opening the box, which now sits on the living room coffee table, launches an instant trip down Memory Lane!

Here's my point - we take so much for granted in this industry. Photography is all about the magic of capturing memories. Digital is terrific, but many of us are still in love with a tactile world - having a print in your hands triggers the memories and in turn the stories flow. And with each laugh or tear, a photograph appreciates in value faster than any stock we could have invested in!

I know I've written that I'd find a new quote about photography, but after dozens of times, it's still the very best:

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This is what I like about photographs. 
They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.
Jodi Picoult

Wishing everybody a day ahead that's filled with memory-making moments. Whether it's with a DSLR or your phone - capture those memories, but don't let them get buried in cyberspace. Every special moment deserves to be in the spotlight sometime in the future. Don't forget the eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, but better yet, capture a few images or video of those times with the people who bring so much value to your life.

​Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.