With a rise in new platforms to share and store photos, the creation of physical photo albums to hold the memories of people and past events has become increasingly obsolete. The surging popularity of social media, in particular, has led to many displaying photos online rather than creating albums—believing it to be cheaper, easier, and more time-efficient. However, there exists an unseen value in having a physical, printed ‘feed’ that many people may not realize. The utilization of albums as record-keeping devices allows for the preservation of more permanent and long-lasting memories—forging a personal connection that can be cherished for much longer than if they were withheld in online storage.
The first commercial photo albums appeared during the rise of photography in the 1860s. Starting out as a simple method to hold single photos of family members, photo albums have developed rapidly along with the advancements of technologies through the 20th and into the 21st century.
A Brief Timeline
There is a large variety in styles when it comes to photo albums, each with their own characteristics; some of which may suit your interests more than others. Since the introduction of digital photography and the internet, the options and processes for the making of albums has greatly expanded.
Types of Photo Albums
Images via Unsplash and Photobook America
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Images via Martha Stewart and PikPerfect
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Through an interview, Tania Pope and Soowon Song—passionate supporters of photo albums—take the time to answer some commonly asked questions and to explain the principal differences between simply keeping photos online vs. having a physical copy of photos in an album. Whether these albums are handmade or printed, having a tangible place to keep photos is a point that both interviewees repeatedly stressed throughout the Q&A.
Up Close and Personal
Commonly Asked Questions + Interview
How are physically and digitally kept photos any different?
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What is the value in albums as record-keeping devices? Why make one?
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What is the process of creating an album? How does it bring about creative freedom?
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Let's take a look!
Below are the pages of albums from Soowon Song; some were created online and printed, others by simply filling in photo slots, while another was created with an element of design and a scrapbook-style approach. Each album has its own characteristics that make it unique aside from the photos themselves: some pages contain pressed leaves or flowers from a particular day, while others have small comments scribbled in to give it a more personalized touch.
Images via Grace Chung
Regarding the steps to making a personal photobook, there are several different methods (as Soowon Song and Tania Pope mentioned). Scrapbooking—a process very similar to that of making photo albums—is simply adding more text and decorations unique to the events pictured in the photos; it is essentially a more advanced version of photobooks. Another option is to utilize online options, the most popular being Shutterfly, which provides a multitude of customization and personalization options with easy navigation. Pope has personally used it to create many of her own photobooks, and has recommended its use for its convenience.
Create your own
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Mei-Ying Chow | DIY HOW TO SCRAPBOOK ideas + tips, digital video
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The Fife Life | HOW TO MAKE A SHUTTERFLY PHOTO BOOK, digital video
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Although the creations of photo albums themselves seem to be decreasing due to innovations in technology, as well as factors such as cost and efficiency, current trends seem to suggest a possibility of the return of albums, or at the very least, physical, printed photographs.
Disposable cameras, Polaroids, and other instant film cameras have had a surge in popularity—resulting in more people recognizing the value in printed photos as opposed to online ones. Websites aiding in the creations of online albums have also become much easier to use and navigate by including more options for those interested in personalizing and tailoring albums to match their own tastes. Additionally, activities similar to the process of decorating albums—such as scrapbooking, bullet journaling and other decorative arts—have recently begun garnering lots of attention.
There is still hope that albums too, will soon make a comeback as a mainstream method of storing and preserving precious memories.
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If you are looking to create your own album, popular album printing websites include Shutterfly or Mixbook. For more photo-book options, local pharmacies commonly offer photo printing and developing at affordable prices if you are looking to create a more traditional album without the use of online platforms.
Disposable cameras, Polaroids, and other instant film cameras have had a surge in popularity—resulting in more people recognizing the value in printed photos as opposed to online ones. Websites aiding in the creations of online albums have also become much easier to use and navigate by including more options for those interested in personalizing and tailoring albums to match their own tastes. Additionally, activities similar to the process of decorating albums—such as scrapbooking, bullet journaling and other decorative arts—have recently begun garnering lots of attention.
There is still hope that albums too, will soon make a comeback as a mainstream method of storing and preserving precious memories.
*****
If you are looking to create your own album, popular album printing websites include Shutterfly or Mixbook. For more photo-book options, local pharmacies commonly offer photo printing and developing at affordable prices if you are looking to create a more traditional album without the use of online platforms.