Why Digital Files Aren’t Enough: The Value of Artwork in Pet Photography
It’s not lost on me that we’re living in a digital-first world. Our phones are basically extensions of our hands, and let’s be honest—we’ve all taken 63 photos of our dogs in the span of a minute just because they tilted their head in a slightly different way. (Guilty.) So, it makes sense that digital files are important to people. I get it. I really do.
But—and hear me out on this—digital files should never be the priority of a pet photography session. They’re great to have, but they’re not what truly brings your pet’s memory to life in a lasting way. Let’s talk about why.
The Digital Dilemma: Where Do All Those Files Go?
How many photos do you have saved on your phone right now? Hundreds? Thousands? Tens of thousands? (It’s okay, this is a judgment-free zone.) And out of all those photos, how many do you actually see on a daily basis? If you’re anything like me, you probably scroll through a handful of favorites every once in a while, but most of them? Lost in the abyss of cloud storage, old hard drives, and “somewhere on my computer.”
That’s what happens with digital files. Even when we have the best intentions, life gets in the way. We think, I’ll print these later, but then seven years pass and they’re still just sitting on a USB drive or in the cloud somewhere—if we can even find them. (Looking at you, wedding photos.)
And worst of all? Technology isn’t foolproof. Hard drives fail. Phones get lost. Cloud storage changes. I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories from people who lost all their pet’s photos because of a tech failure. It’s devastating. Just recently, someone told me they lost every single photo from their dog’s puppy days because their phone malfunctioned. They were heartbroken—but also incredibly grateful that they had a session with me when they did. Without those images, they wouldn’t have anything left from that time.
The Tangible Difference: What You See is What You Feel
Here’s the thing: digital files don’t disappear overnight, but they do fade into the background of our lives. Meanwhile, tangible artwork—something you can see and touch every single day—keeps the memories alive in a way that a folder of files never could.
I know this firsthand. I have thousands of digital photos of Lupin spanning over a decade. And I love that I have them—I really do. But nothing compares to the real-life artwork I have of him. Those are the things I see every day. Those are the things that make me smile, that make me feel like he’s still here in some way. They’re a constant, beautiful reminder of what he means to me.
And it’s not just me. Clients have told me time and time again how much their artwork means to them—how they catch a glimpse of their dog’s happy, smiling face on the wall as they walk by and can’t help but smile back. How they pause at their album on the coffee table, flipping through the pages and reliving the best memories with their pet. One client told me she stops to look at her dog’s portrait every morning, and it makes her feel like he’s still greeting her, even after he’s gone.
That’s the power of something real. Something you don’t have to search for, scroll to find, or worry about losing. It’s always there, right where it belongs.
No One Ever Regrets Artwork
I have never once heard someone say, “I really regret having this beautiful framed portrait of my dog on my wall.” Not once. But I have heard plenty of people say, “I wish I had printed something,” or “I meant to make an album, but I never got around to it.” And that breaks my heart.
That’s why I don’t just hand over images and leave you to figure it out on your own. I guide you through the process, helping you choose the perfect way to enjoy your images—whether it’s a statement piece for your wall, a storytelling album to flip through, or a collection that fits seamlessly into your home. Because I know firsthand how much it means to have something real, something you can see every day without having to search for it.
It’s not just about printing photos; it’s about creating something intentional—something that honors your pet and your bond in a way that lasts. Because these memories deserve more than to be left sitting on a hard drive.
Digital Files: The Cherry on Top
Now, don’t get me wrong. Digital files have their place. They’re great for sharing on social media, sending to friends, and keeping in your archives. That’s why they’re always included. But they should be the bonus, not the focus.
The real value is in the experience—the time spent with your pet, the joy of seeing their personality shine in the images, and the final artwork that brings those moments to life in a way that a screen never could.
So, yes, you’ll get your digital files. But more importantly, you’ll get something that lasts—a way to celebrate and remember your pet that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, passwords, or cloud storage. And that? That’s priceless.
“I adore the album we created and will treasure the memories forever. Amanda does an amazing job!”
Ready to Create Something You’ll Treasure Forever?
Let’s make sure your pet’s memories don’t just live on a hard drive. If you’re ready to create beautiful, lasting artwork of your best friend, let’s chat!