At this moment, I’m looking for a specific number of photographs uploaded just today on the popular photo hosting site Flickr.

While I’m unable to find an exact number, I’m certain it’s probably in the seven figures. And, while that isn’t a problem – it’s rather exciting, actually – it’s disturbing to know those photographs that continue to live in a digital world may never enjoy the possibility of living life as a tangible print.

So, in a rather public service announcement sort of way, have you taken the time to print out your photographs? There is something wonderful about holding up a suspended piece of reality, enjoying the emotional response of viewing a print, whether it is a magnificent landscape or a loved one.

Now, take it one step further and mount the print on the wall – as Susan Sontag says in her book “On Photography,” photographs not only package the world, but themselves invite packaging. Have the photograph framed and place it in a location that will attract eyes. Better yet, have a good story on hand about the photo whenever passing visitors ask about its origins.

We may have memory cards that contain thousands upon thousands of photographs, and we may upload and share photos like it’s going out of style, but there just isn’t the same feeling from a digitized image as one printed out on paper. Go ahead, stick a thumbtack through one for the corkboard or keep one as a bookmark in a book. Either way, not everything needs to live online. The walls need love, too.

P.S.: wondering where the image for this blog is attached? It's currently living life as a print on my fridge.