I recently read an article that made the statement, “It’s time for the photo album to die”!   Quite a shocking statement, especially considering the profession I represent.  While I was mulling this over I went to see Superman, Man of Steel. Half way through the movie there was a scene where the “bag guys” destroy the home Superman grew up in.  As the house is falling down, his mother runs into the home frantically searching for something. Suddenly she finds what she is looking for and cradled in her arms, is the family photo album.

In that moment, I am reminded about the importance of family stories and the photos that represent their memories.  NO, photo albums will not die.  Our family photos tell the stories of our lives and though technology is changing how we view and share our photos, the reason we take them has not changed.  That article and the Superman movie, reinforced the important work Photo Organizers do, and why we need to encourage people to print their favorite photos and tell their stories.

Though I have embraced digital completely there is something wonderful about holding an actual photo album in your hands. Digital mediums are dependent on electricity, batteries, cell phone towers, and internet connections to access. An album does not depend on those things.

Long live albums and photos printed on good quality photo paper!

Pioneer of the Photo-Life Management Industry, Cathi Nelson is the founder of the Association of Personal Photo Organizers, an association that trains individuals who specialize in helping consumers and businesses rescue their irreplaceable film and digital photos, organizing them in a way that makes it simple to share their memories, lives and traditions. Since its inception, APPO has grown to include hundreds of members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and United Kingdom.