Memories
made better
through photography
In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, it’s all too easy to let precious moments slip through our fingers. However, thanks to the power of photography, we can capture all those prized, fleeting moments and cherish them forever. We surveyed the nation to find out what events people are reaching for the camera the most and how those photos make us feel after the moment has passed. We also enlisted the help of MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor Cheryl Sandford to offer her expert insight.
Precious moments we want to immortalise
The moments people want to hold onto often revolve around experiences that hold significant meaning in their lives. And photographs can help us to capture and hold on to those moments longer. With bucket list items ticked off and experiencing cool new cultures with loved ones, it’s no surprise that 38% of people prioritise snapping pictures of their holidays and trips away. They’re prime opportunities to create lasting memories that you can reminisce about for years to come. Joint second place were claimed by days out with family/ kids and birthdays with 23% each respectively.
Precious moments we want to immortalise
These occasions embrace the essence of togetherness, joy, and spending quality time with your favourite people that we want to relish forever, so it’s clear why they both featured so high on the list.
It's often said that your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. Wedding photos are vital keepsakes of a day that epitomises love, commitment, and unity, and often have all your family and friends in tow. This is why it’s earnt a spot in the top three moments, with 21% of Brits wanting to capture it the most.
Most snap-able moments
Photo album books across the generations
When it comes to choosing a subject for printed photos, it’s loved ones that take centre stage. According to our survey, children and grandchildren claim the top spot as the most popular subjects. A sizable 36% of people opt to immortalise the smiles, adventures and milestones of the youngest members of their family. It’s clear to see that people have an innate desire to preserve and enjoy the ever-so-fleeting moments of childhood. Following close behind are our beloved furry companions that capture the hearts and snaps, with 22% of people choosing to print photos of their pets. From playful antics and soulful gazes, those who have fur babies want every cute, joyful moment to be immortalised in print.
Those who proudly display their photos
Whether it’s a wall covered in memories of travels and children growing through life or a framed photo of friends on a coffee table, these visual reminders cast you back to precious moments of a time gone by. This is probably why 46% of people state that looking at photos makes them feel happy. However, no matter how happy it makes them, more than one in ten Brits (15%) have no pictures of loved ones in their home.
Photography can have a positive impact on our psychological well-being whether we are viewing or taking the photographs. There are various perceived benefits for each individual engaging in photography both for self-growth and improved mental health. Photography can open communication and connectedness allowing individuals to connect with others by expressing their emotions and experiences.
Photography can cover many areas of our life to aid wellbeing, becoming a memory aid to help recall times and experiences past. Encouraging us to stay with a precious moment and becoming mindful of things we may have otherwise missed.
The gender divide
When it comes to valuing and cherishing printed memories, there’s a noticeable gap between genders. When asked, 28% of women stated that they consider their printed photos to be among their most prized possessions, with an impressive 29% declaring they would rush to rescue them in the event of a house fire. However, in stark contrast, less than a fifth (19%) stated they would do the same in a similar scenario and even less (18%) revealed that they consider photos prized possessions.
The gender divide
This isn’t too shocking to believe when considering that men are also less snap happy too. While the majority of Brits delight in capturing life’s precious moments through the lens of a camera, a notable 15% choose to shun the shutter altogether. Of those that go against the grain, there is a clear gender divide, nearly twice as many men (21%) than women (11%) opt for a camera-free existence. This comparison hints at potential differences in how men and women view the importance of photography in their lives and highlights contrasting attitudes towards documentation and memory preservation.
There are various factors that could contribute to an individual's choice to not display photos of loved ones in their home, even though they recognise that photos can help connect to a memory of positive past experiences and connections. Many individuals now keep their images on digital devices, gone is the need to have to print the film before being able to view the photo which led to easier access to photographs for display.
The choice to not display photos of loved ones in the home can also be influenced by an individual not wanting to expose their private moments and connections with others, to protect yourself from sadness if still grieving for a loss and sometimes even religious or cultural beliefs. Understanding these factors can aid in the recognition and acceptance of the individual's choice.
Generational choices
Despite living in an increasingly digital world, printing photos is something the younger age group are doing more than any other generation. Contrary to expectations, younger people are embracing tangible items with 92% of 25-30-year-olds opting to print their photos. This is closely followed by 87% of those under 25. In contrast, only 76% of individuals aged 60 and over opt to print and display photos. This suggests that the younger generations no longer prefer digital forms of storage and have a deep appreciation for the benefits of printed photographs. So, whether it’s to embrace nostalgia, a desire for authenticity or simply a preference for tangible keepsakes, it’s clear to see that the appeal for printed memories is still great even in a highly digitised world.
Are older people tech adverse or are they actually just living in the moment?
“Older people’s attitudes towards technology can alter significantly which can impact their ability to be present in the moment.
Depending on factors such as access to technology, personal preferences and digital literacy in older generations, preferences can be split between scepticism and enthusiasm. Some feeling excited about a new way of connecting and others feeling left behind, detached and overwhelmed. Being aware of these perspectives can aid initiatives to help support older adults to navigate a presence both offline and in digital contexts. The digital divide can create obstruction to the elderly with a high percentage still having limited access or knowledge of how to use technology as it evolves.”
The power of photography
Photography has long been recognised as a powerful tool for documenting and preserving memories. From the earliest days of black-and-white film to the digital revolution of today, photographs have a unique ability to freeze moments in time, allowing us to revisit them whenever we need to.
But the benefits of photography extend far beyond mere nostalgia. Therapeutic photography, also known as phototherapy, is an emerging field that harnesses the healing power of visual storytelling. This has been shown to have a profound impact on our mood and mental health.
The power of photography
Photography is beyond just the simple act of clicking the camera, it’s an opportunity for mindfulness – one that is similar to meditation. Just as meditation grounds you, photography allows you to fully immerse yourself in observing and depicting the world around you which can be calming and reassuring. Plus, the process of creating visual art, whether it’s preserving a glorious sunset or snapping a notoriously grumpy loved one when they crack a genuine smile, can serve as a powerful boost of self-esteem, and can significantly increase psychological resiliency. So, photography goes a lot deeper than merely documenting life, it’s a powerful tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and healing.
Cheryl Sandford
MBACP Senior Accredited psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Cheryl Sandford is a senior accredited counsellor / psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with over 12 years in practice.
Cheryl is also trained in CBT and EMDR and is currently completing her Doctorate in Psychological Trauma at Chester University.
Cheryl specialises in various presenting trauma cases and mental health, working in senior schools and privately with Insurance, NHS and EAP referrals.
This survey was conducted with a pool of 2,018 UK respondents via Censuswide.
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