Recently, a distraught client reached out to me. She had lost all her high-resolution digital files of her newborn photos. Despite her best efforts, they had vanished without a trace. As a photographer, I adhere to strict data protection laws and storage constraints, only retaining files for a year, so unfortunately, I was unable to assist her.

As someone who pours heart and soul into my work and as a mother of three, it pained me deeply both professionally and personally. All those precious first days of her baby's life – those tiny features, fingers, and expressions – are now lost. Had she chosen to invest in an album or prints, she would at least have tangible mementos to cherish. 

Fortunately, my client managed to find her files after several days, and we were both so relieved. She wrote to me with the good news and mentioned that she was going to make a newborn album now. Sadly, though, this kind of happy ending is uncommon. This devastating scenario happens more often than you might think. This client is not the first, and I fear she won't be the last (and that's why I'm writing this post). 

Here are 5 compelling reasons why I advocate for investing in both digital photos and high-quality printed products like albums and prints to safeguard your memories:

1. Digital Files Are Easily Corrupted: We must all admit that digital files are susceptible to loss due to technical failures, accidental deletion, or data corruption. Maybe it has even happened to you once? Without proper backup and storage, these precious memories can disappear forever. By investing in printed albums or prints, you acquire physical copies that are immune to digital mishaps, ensuring your memories are safe and accessible for years to come. 

2. Digital Formats Become Outdated: Over time, digital formats can become outdated, making it challenging to access or view your photos as technology evolves. Do you remember? Not long ago, we had floppy disks, and now, not all notebooks or computers have a disk drive available! Printed photos provide a hard copy that doesn't rely on specific devices or software, preserving your memories in a format that remains relevant and accessible (provided you comply with proper storage practices, of course). 

3. Digital Files Tend to Be Ignored: Have you ever taken perfect photos of an event or family portrait, showed them to your parents once, and then just forgot about them because you had no time to browse or access your computer? Digital photos often remain stored on devices or in cloud services, where they may be forgotten or lost among other files (as happened in the story above). Printed albums or prints, on the contrary, give you a physical way to display your photos, making it simple to revisit those special moments whenever you want. 

4. Printed Photos Feel More Personal: Can you relate to this one? The tactile experience of holding and flipping through printed photos or albums enhances the emotional connection to your moments. It's akin to the difference between an electronic book and a physical paper book. While electronics are convenient and save space, do they also feel soulless to you? 

5. Printed Albums Make Stunning Decor: Printed albums and prints offer a chance to arrange and showcase your photos with artistic style, making them more visually appealing. Professionally printed products highlight the artistry of your newborn photos, turning them into attractive decorations, ideal for a nursery, among other spaces.

Experiencing the loss of precious newborn photos is heartbreaking, as my recent client discovered firsthand. This underscores the vulnerability of digital files and emphasizes why investing in printed albums and prints is essential. I always provide this option—I offer a variety of printed products such as albums, canvases, and matted prints, all specifically designed to preserve your newborn photos. Crafted with high-quality materials and available in a wide range of covers and designs, these products ensure your memories are safeguarded and can be cherished for years to come. If you're curious about my options or thinking about a newborn session, I'm here to chat with you.