What Do I Do With So Many Photographs?

So, the question I pose today is: “What do you do with your best work?” My back-up hard drives overflow with photographs. I tend to keep everything – the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Hidden among them are some hidden gems. Do they deserve better than their banishment to my neglected megabytes of photographic storage?

What are other options? The following are ideas I have mulled over in the past as options for dealing with excessive photographs. Some of these could possibly work their way into a future “to do” list. I am hesitant to start projects like these because I would rather be behind the camera looking for the next great photograph. But, for a matter of discussion, I offer the following list and to use an earlier phrase, my suggestions include the good, the bad, and the indifferent.

1. Electronic Frames. These devices have been around for a while but have never really caught on. But I do have friends that keep one of the devices on the counter running 24 hours a day. The Real Estate offices place a larger electronic preview of the houses they have for sale, placed in the front window.
2. Photo books – These are widely available from a variety of sources and are much cheaper than at any time in the past. Prices have moderated and they make great gifts. I own several of them and I enjoy perusing them for “old times sake.” I like the concept
3. Scrap booking.3. I still remember a time when scrapbooks were for vacation memorabilia or assorted news clippings. 
4. . Computer Screen Savers. It’s not like this is a novel suggestion but, I have seen some wonderful work floating around on computer screens. Since almost everyone owns a computer, it makes for a convenient photo showcase.

5.Greeting cards – Thank you cards. I find this an intriguing possibility. Curate your archives and pair them with some nice verses. Who knows? The next successful “cottage industry” might be born in your home office?

Never dismiss your “holy grail” photos as unframeable or unworthy of your wall. I have always kept my number of frameable photographs to a minimum but there are certain photos that demand a cherished spot. That sunset that made your eyes pop on your honeymoon. Your lake getaway that looks almost too perfect in print. There are some photographs that just need to be framed. But, heed my word of warning – wall space is a finite commodity.