We have noticed that with cameras being so readily accessible, particularly with the increase of use of cameras on mobile phones, it is so easy to reach for those close to hand rather than to pull out a proper camera that is going to give you a much better image.

From our perspective at Etched In Memories, we require your images to be of excellent quality and perfect clarity, worthy of the memories you are capturing. The recent trend however is that many people don’t seem to take into account their surrounding or positioning for photos, so the photographs seem to be poorly lit (either too dark or way overexposed). Other photos just seem to be out of focus, not framed well or badly cropped.

With the current digital technology where it is so simple to instantly view and share an image, you would think that if an image was flawed, the photographer would immediately correct it. However this seems to be no longer the case. People are capturing and sharing their images regardless of whether the lighting is so dark you can barely make out the faces, or whether there is so much movement that the image is all blurry.

As we see so many of these kind of imperfect captures being shared on social media (selfies, mirrored reflections, quick snaps at social events, family gatherings, photos of babies and children, etc) maybe we just don’t notice the imperfections anymore. When these shots come through from our customers, it is so hard to have to hear their disappointment when we tell them the image is not really suitable for engraving, especially when their image may be the only memory they have from a certain time or of a loved one.

In this day and age of digital photography where everyone is a “photographer”, we encourage you to take your instant shots as they are fun, quick and. However, periodically we recommend you take the time to pull out your better camera and take some time with your shots. Or if photography is not your thing, invest in your memories with a professional, so that you have some great photographs to regularly capture your family and life. That way when you look back over your photos, you have memories that are clear and beautiful, and of a quality that can be reproduced well to give you a gorgeous item worth displaying.

Remember, you have the opportunity to do-over your shot immediately if you haven’t got it right the first time, and let’s face it, do-overs are not a luxury you get much in life – so cherish the moment and make sure you have a memory worth keeping.