10 reasons why photography is important

Photography is a way to capture moments of significance to us. And it's those moments that we look back on with fond memories. This is but one thing that makes the importance of photography so prevalent in our daily lives. As an art form, we can use it for various reasons to express our inner thoughts, feelings and intentions.
Whether you’re a beginner in photography or a seasoned pro, we’ll explore why photography is important - in order to persuade you to pick up your camera (or smartphone!) more often for picture taking.
1. To preserve moments in time


Taking photos allows us to freeze moments in time. This preserves a moment we want to cherish - such as a group photo, a wedding, graduation, a stunning landscape, a piece of art, and whatever else takes your fancy.
The ability to capture these fleeting moments is priceless because our memories can fade or get distorted with time. A single photo has the power to transport us back to a specific moment, stirring up the sights, sounds, and emotions we experienced. Think of it like a window into our past, letting us relive special events and reminisce about the people and places that have shaped our lives.
But that's not all - photos also help us preserve precious childhood memories that might otherwise slip away as we get older (just think about all the times you’ve asked your parents to bring out the family photo books!) And in a world that's constantly changing, photography serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and importance of the present moment. It nudges us to slow down, appreciate the little things, and savour the precious moments that make up our lives.
Want to make a scrapbook from existing photos? Read our guide on how to make a scrapbook with photo prints to curate your very own photo book!
2. To tell amazing stories


Whether it’s our own or someone else’s, photography has the ability to tell stories and document our lives. The power of visual storytelling is appealing to the masses as it’s an easy medium to digest. It can be used to tell stories about oneself, the journey of someone’s wedding day (which makes for a great wedding gift), global matters, the development of a place over a period of time, and so much more.
This has allowed fields such as documentary photography and photojournalism to have a prominent place in the media. They play an important role in telling stories around the world that we wouldn’t have otherwise known. Street photography is also another way photography tells stories, by observing things like style, communities and how a neighbourhood has changed.
Through this lens, photographers have the incredible ability to capture those brief, precious moments, emotions, and events that would otherwise slip away into the depths of time. It's this power of visual storytelling that has made photography such an invaluable tool for preserving our cultural heritage, raising awareness about global issues, and giving us a captivating glimpse into the lives of others.
3. To express yourself artistically


Photography is an amazing way to express your artistic side. It lets you share your unique perspective, emotions, and visions through captivating photos. Plus, it's not just about taking pictures; it's about turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. It can evoke a whole range of emotions and spark thought-provoking conversations.
There are so many different styles and genres in photography, each offering endless creative possibilities. Whether you want to make your photos look vintage for retro prints, capture portraiture, or landscapes - photography allows for the expression of one’s vision, no matter your interest.
Another reason photography is important for artistic expression is that it allows for constant experimentation and innovation. Photographers can try out different techniques like long exposures, multiple exposures, or intentional camera movement to create surreal and eye-catching images that challenge our idea of reality.
Want to learn how to pose and direct others? Our posing tips can help you get the best photos of yourself, friends and family!
4. To document and preserve changes in history


Photography plays a really important role in preserving moments in history. It serves as a medium to create a visual diary that captures events, people, and places that would otherwise fade away with time. These snapshots are like time capsules, freezing those fleeting moments and letting us study them for generations. Looking at historical photos gives us a real insight into the lives of people who came before us. It helps us feel a deeper connection to different eras and shows us how customs, fashion, architecture, economics and society have changed over time.
As physical things break down and landscapes change, photographs stay the same. In this digital age, physical photographs are even more special because they give us a real, tangible link to history.
5. To document one’s own journey


Photography can be an amazing tool for documenting your journey of self-care and improvement. By taking regular photos, you can create a visual diary that shows the changes and milestones you've achieved over time. It's a process that can be both motivating and eye-opening. Through this visual documentation, you can observe the gradual progress and transformations that may not be noticeable in your day-to-day life.
When you start on a self-improvement journey, you can take initial photos that serve as the "before" benchmarks in different areas of your life that you want to enhance. It could be physical fitness, mental health, or even organising and decluttering your personal spaces. As time goes on, subsequent photos provide tangible evidence of your progress. This is especially helpful in areas like fitness - where small physical changes can be hard to notice - but can be seen through a series of pictures over time.
6. To get marketing messages out there


In today's visually-driven society - where marketers have to get to the point faster than ever before - photography is just as important as ever. It has the power to grab customer attention and influence their buying decisions. High-quality images have the ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, help a consumer and leave a lasting impression on whether a product or service is worth investing in.
Photography allows brands to convey compelling visual narratives that make their products or services more desirable, forging an emotional connection with consumers which is incredibly important for the buying journey. Professional photographers bring their expertise in lighting, composition, and post-production to the table, ensuring that the desired mood is captured and brand consistency is maintained across various marketing platforms. In a competitive marketplace where brands are constantly vying for attention, the role of photography in creating impactful and visually stunning images that drive sales and foster brand loyalty is one that will never disappear.
7. To spark creativity and imagination


Photography is important for inspiring others and sparking imagination. It can take us to new places and fuel our desire for adventure and self-expression. It's all about capturing the beauty, complexity, and mystery of life, evoking a wide range of responses and actions from the viewer. Whether it's the urge to explore landscapes or the deeper connection we feel when looking at evocative portraits, photography has a way of inspiring us and changing our perspective.
For the creative minds out there, a single image can spark many ideas pushing writers, painters, musicians, and artists of all kinds to translate that captured moment into their own art forms. Photography breaks boundaries, inspiring a whole spectrum of artistic outlets.
8. It can be applied to a variety of industries


Another reason photography is so important is because it goes way beyond “just taking a photo”. It plays a crucial role in various fields such as real estate, medical imaging, e-commerce, fashion, forensics and so much more.
No matter the field photography is used in, it’s a way of documenting something of significance. Whether it’s marketing material or evidence for court (in the case of forensics), visuals in the form of photography communicate a variety of narratives for various industrial fields.
9. To develop your personal brand


Personal branding has taken social media sites like LinkedIn by storm, and photography plays a huge part in that. When you carefully curate your photographs, you can convey your unique personality, values, and sense of style - helping you stand out in the crowded online world.
Whether it's a professional headshot, a collection of lifestyle images showcasing your hobbies and interests, or a series of travel photos capturing your sense of adventure, photography allows you to create a visual story that truly represents your personal brand.
But it's not just about branding – photography is also a means of self-expression and authenticity. By sharing glimpses of your life, experiences, and perspectives through images, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, building trust and relatability. And that genuine connection is incredibly valuable in building a strong personal brand that attracts exciting opportunities, collaborations, and a loyal following.
10. To strengthen relationships with friends and family


Photography is super important when it comes to strengthening relationships. In our busy lives - where things can sometimes feel like a blur and memories can fade - photos act as tangible reminders of the good times we've had with our loved ones. They let us go back in time and relive those happy moments and major milestones that have shaped our relationships. Whether they're hanging on our walls or shared online, each photo is like a little time machine, giving us a chance to reflect on the journey we've taken together and the strong bonds we've built along the way.
We hope this guide has inspired you to pursue - or continue to pursue - the art of photography. Whether you just want to take better photos of precious moments or work professionally as a photographer, understanding the importance of photography will keep you motivated. Get your photos printed the same day with Max Spielmann - and be sure to read our blog for more photography and printing tips.