In today’s modern generation, it’s rare to find people who still prefer printed photographs to digital copies. Since almost everyone has their smartphones and gadgets with them 90% of the time, it truly is more convenient to store digital copies of essential and personal files. But despite that, it’s also true that having photo prints have a more sentimental feel.
Even though most people prefer digital copies of their memorable moments, many are slowly appreciating the beauty of photo printing. And since aesthetic and “mood boards” became popular among design enthusiasts, professional photo printing services and items are slowly rising to fame again.
Today, you can find many beautiful photo prints online that you can print as your home decoration. But there’s also beauty and joy in finding different photo print collectables from shops and places you’ve visited. If you feel the same, this post is for you. Here are some places where you can find different photo print collectibles.
1 – Post offices
A post office is one of the places where you can find a good photo print (if you’re lucky). Even though it’s a place for mail services, telecommunications, and postal services, many post offices sell photo prints if the office is located in the city centre. Many consider their post offices tourist spots, especially if their architectural design has become a tourist landmark.
In Vietnam, their post office in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the favourite tourist spots of foreigners. You can find many souvenirs and some photo prints that you can collect or display in your home. Other countries also likely have photo print souvenirs that you can find in their post offices if you look closely.
2 – Souvenir shops
One of the places where you can find fun and vibrant photo print collectibles is in a souvenir shop. Many people think that you have to travel internationally to visit souvenir shops. What many forget is that you can simply see one in the area where you live and in the cities near your city.
Many cities in many countries have souvenir shops regardless of size and location. Mostly, you can find one in city centres. But if an area has a tourist spot many love to visit, you can expect to see many souvenir shops. Aside from keychains, magnets, and shirts, many souvenir shops also offer photographic prints or framed photographs you can display or take home. Some have postcards, painted decors, and handmade designs that are a striking alternative to photo prints.
3 – Bookstores
Bookstores are one of the safe havens for book lovers and art enthusiasts. Aside from books and learning materials, you can also find many “artsy” and stationery items in bookstores. That’s one of the reasons people who are into design and style love visiting bookstores too.
Of course, since the forte of bookstores is novels, it’s often rare to find photo print collectibles in them, especially in poster sizes. However, many magazines and thin books have collections of rare and historical photographs that might appeal to you. If you’re not only looking for photo print collectibles for display, the bookstore can be a gold mine of photo prints that might catch your attention.
4 – Art centres or exhibits
Art centres, galleries, and exhibits are the best places to find various photo print collectibles. Undoubtedly, those are the “happy places” of art and photography collectors. If you’re looking for photo prints that you can frame, hand, and display in your home, these are the places to go.
The thing with art centres, galleries, and exhibits is that they happen seasonally. Most of them only operate at a specific time and place seasonally. They’re considered events that only last for a couple of days–that’s why it’s best to maximise your visit if there’s one happening near your area. Since the photo prints and art displays in art centres and exhibits are by talented artists, expect that their prices can be costly. If you have the budget and are a long-time collector, this is where you should prepare your funds.
5 – Stationery shops
I mentioned earlier that bookstores are one of the safe havens for book lovers and art enthusiasts. But stationery shops are the ultimate space where people who love to do things “DIY” will surely be the happiest. Since you can find many crafts and art materials in stationery shops, you’ll likely find printed designs you can collect.
Stationery shops are home to various paper print types that creative people can utilise for different purposes. Some stationery shops have printed art designs that you can use for displays, which can be collectible if the print is unique.
6 – Museums
Lastly are museums. Of course, buying in museums requires bidding and often requires negotiations because the items there have historical and significant value. I know they’re not ideal and budget-friendly for young adults and students looking into adding a new item to their photo print collectibles.
But the good news is, you’ll usually find shops in a museum that offer collectibles of their displays. Most shops that sell miniature copies of the designs in the museum are more affordable for young professionals and students. But then again, not all museums have souvenir shops. So you shouldn’t get your hopes too high. But without any doubt, your eyes and mind will have a feast because of the rare collections and displays of historical and significant items.
You can also find one in unexpected places if you look closely.
Finding rare photo print designs gives pure joy to collectors like you. Sometimes, you might end up disappointed that the places you expect to have print collectibles have nothing to offer. But that’s okay. Because sometimes, you can find unique photo prints that would make your collection better in unexpected places if you look closely.
Written by Bianca Banda
