Nostalgia is something that waxes strong in me, so I have a great affinity for actual, physical photographs. However, most of the pictures for my generation exist on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.; in other words, they exist on screens and in “clouds”.
For the most part, I think the cyber-plane that all of these images exist on is amazing. I think it is amazing that I can see my friends hiking in Hawaii if I look at Facebook for 3 seconds, and I think it is amazing that I can see the dressing room magic of the eyebrows of Cara Delevingne just by looking at Instagram. I think that the way people stay connected in real life and in real time is a remarkable and uplifting thing.
But for all this, I still want something to hold on to. I want to feel connected to what happened yesterday, or last summer, or when I was six. An actual, physical photo. So, I’m still using one of my favorite Christmas gifts: the Canon “SELPHY” Wireless Printer. There are quite a few printers that do what this one does (Fujifilm Instax Printer, Smartphone Photo Cube, Polaroid Zip, etc.) but I have always been a fan of Canon.
Having a printer that connects to your smartphone combines the power of nostalgia and instant gratification in the best way. Now I can look at the concerts and the camping trips and the car-selfies on the walls in my room and I can touch them. I feel connected to my whole life, and to friends (even ones I don’t see anymore), and it always makes me smile and sometimes cry happy-tears because life is amazing. The photos to hold in my hand tell me so.
*This post is in no way sponsored by Canon or any other company or entity. I’m just happy to share something that has worked for me when it comes to my precious photos. I’m a sentimental gal, as you can see here and here.
elliepeek
20 years old, and deeply happy to be alive. I am an aspiring writer, maybe-lawyer, and human being. I am an English major at Brigham Young University. I write a heavy bit of poetry, and eat a heavy bit of Indian food. I lived in Germany for a bit, but currently call Utah my home. I want to travel as much as time and cash will permit, in this short and spectacular life - and look good while doing it.
