Since time immemorial we have been taking photographs of our loved ones quite literally from cradle to grave. So much so, that the younger generation proudly post snapshots of their yet-to-be-born healthy babies, whilst they are still growing inside their mums.

Photographs are therefore probably one of the most precious things we own. Yet in my opinion not enough significance is given to them.

They are lovingly placed into frames, then hung on walls, or are sitting on mantlepieces barely warranting a glance as we walk past. Extra special ones are protected and kept safe in wallets or in our phones.

Ask any woman of ‘a certain age’ about her grandchildren, and then be prepared to spend the next ten minutes, looking at lovingly taken photos. Each granny is convinced hers could win any baby contest.

Of course, it is utter nonsense as I happen to know it’s mine that would win outright. But hey ho, let us not spilt hairs.

We capture significant moments during our lives, like meetings for instance, or gatherings, parties, retirements, birthdays, engagements, weddings, and yes, every happy occasion our colleagues celebrate too.

Photos never age. By their very virtue they can never date. They are a timeless treasured moment in anyone’s life.

Never was this more apt, than in this digital instant age, where the nano second a photo is taken, its winging it way around the globe through all the various outlets – too numerous to mention – to be commented on, enhanced, cut, pasted, airbrushed, improved till every picture is a replica of a model, film star, or a pumped up, keep fit enthusiast.

Each limb, and oiled torso tanned to perfection. A make-believe world of glistening white teeth, glossy curled hair, even lips devoid of silicone will be enhanced, to give the illusion of the come-hither look. A sliver of fat removed from here, a curve moved sideways making the waist appear slimmer.

Whole reams of people can be removed completely. Back drops can be totally invented till eventually a totally fake image is created.

However, when we look through the lens of our cameras, to take images of those we love, it will be those memories that we then evoke when we gaze on them again.

It is then that we are instantly transported to that snapshot cherished moment of long ago, and why real photos are always cherished.