Why Do I Need an Album? | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

So, for this week's wedding related topic, I've decided to broach the subject of albums. We are a generation that highly favors technology, digital this and that....and getting it NOW, manipulating it NOW, and using it any way we can. Whatever that "it" may be.

Now, I've discussed on here before how I'm a bit slow to rush into new media and technology. My husband is still bugging me to get my own iPod, as I consistently tell him most of the music on his is pretty lame (I can only stomach so much Dream Theater). I don't text. I'm not big on cell phones as a whole, though I do realize they serve a much-needed purpose when I'm out and about.

I do love digital photography though, and I think with weddings in particular it really serves a great purpose. Its efficient, cost-effective, and Photoshop, when used correctly, can be a good friend (but watch her, she can turn on you).

So, with that in mind, why do I think something as archaic as a physical album is a must-have?

It all goes back to childhood. Don't most strongly held "beliefs"? When I was a kid, I loved my grandparent's house. It was quintessential "grandma's place" with that nice smell of coffee and outdated furniture that just felt cozy and warm. And at grandma's place there was a huge built-in chock full of albums. Albums that had been meticulously put together by my Gramps, labeled, and arranged chronologically.

I adored these albums. I would spend HOURS thumbing through them, asking questions, learning about my ancestors. Hearing hilarious stories about my dad when he was a kid or Grandma during the Depression.


Now, as hard as I try....I just can't see curling up with Grams on the couch, popping open the laptop, and scrolling through digital files having the same affect.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE digital files. I think having access to your files is very important...but it's not long-lasting. It's not history making. It's not archival. DVDs get scratched, lost, ....I dunno...breathed on wrong (which is why I remind people....make back ups of those things and store them away!!)

But an album. A leather bound, archival album. There, you're contributing to your family history. You're opening up the lines of dialogue that will come about 20-30-40 or 50 years down the road when your grandkid says "Hey Grams, can I see that album up there?" and then curls up on the couch with you to thumb through it.
I spoke to a well-known, well-established photographer once who told me that he tells his Brides this same scenario and I even teared up as he was telling me....because family connections are what MATTER. And connections are made through sharing history (thank you Paul, for that advice!).

So, why are albums important? Because they never go out of style. My Grandparents married in the 1940s and their album is just as relevant today as it was the day it was put together. It was an investment in their family history then, and it remains so much more valuable today.

So, consider an album when booking your wedding. A small investment now will really pay off some day down the line!