Have you ever gotten all teary-eyed after reading an inspiring article or watching a really sweet video on YouTube? You know, the ones that capture a gorgeous, romantic moment in someone’s life? From surprise gifts of puppies (and the inevitable joyful crying that ensues) to truly spectacular marriage proposals, photos capture the emotion and delight of some of the most special moments in people’s lives.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a number of different ways around the world, but ultimately, it’s all about love. Some people fuss and fret about what kind of gift to get for their partner, but it really is the thought behind a kind, loving gesture that means the most. Sure, your partner is unlikely to object if you show up with an armful of roses, a box of their favourite chocolate, or tickets for a surprise vacation, but sometimes the smallest and sweetest actions are the most memorable ones.
One thing that can make this celebration even more special is ensuring that photos are taken as part of the festivities.
Photos are unique forms of art, in that every time they’re revisited, the emotions associated with the moment in which they were taken are rekindled. We’re taken back to the precise second that the images were captured, and that allows us to re-live the joy and beauty we reveled in. A picture isn’t just worth a thousand words: it evokes about a thousand different emotions as well.
Considering how impactful pictures can be, a framed photo of a beautiful occasion can be a gorgeous gift for Valentine’s Day. A snapshot from a first date, an image from an engagement party photo shoot, or perhaps a photo taken on your first vacation together? You could also put together an entire album of memories that the two of you can enjoy together. These types of gifts appeal to the sentimental as well as the normally stoic, as you can choose the images that would be most appreciated by the one you love. Some folks may like pictures that are really sweet and adorable, while others may appreciate funny and endearing imagery instead.
When it comes to giving photos as a gift, there are a number of different ways to present them. Sure, there’s the traditional photo album or framed piece, but you can get creative with framing techniques and booklets, right? Like, small-scale photos on playing cards that have been hole-punched and tied together with ribbon. You can mount them on blocks, use shadow frames to create diaramas… you could even tuck laminated photos into jars and fill them with water, glycerin, and glitter to create instant snow globes.
Any method you choose will result in a beautiful, heartfelt gift for the one you love. If you can’t find any photos that you’d really like to use for this holiday, this may be the perfect occasion to make some new memories, and snap some pictures that are sure to evoke smiles and happy tears for years to come.
Author : Lana Winter-Hébert - image credits: Tim Parkinson