How come we take photos? It’s a simple question with a thousand answers. Is it for social media? To treasure a special moment? To kickstart a photography career? It’s safe to say that we’ve all wanted to capture moments that we can appreciate later on, but here are a few reasons why you should never, ever, ever stop taking photos.

1. Pictures Preserve Memories

I always cherish my photos. They’re great reminders of life experiences. Years later, you’ll be able to look at your pictures and say, “Whoa, I took that!” Better yet, those pictures will give you the chance to relive the feelings you had when the photo was taken. It’ll make for an awesome nostalgia trip. By taking thousands of photos while you’re young, you’ll be able to trigger great memories you amassed in your youth.

2. You Can Show Off Your Friends

Interacting with our loved ones through photography can be very emotionally gratifying. Personalities can really shine through photos, especially when the picture is candid. Taking photos of your friends will allow you to reminisce and recall all the qualities that you appreciated in those people. The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it might.

3. You’re Secretly an Artist

Every photo you take provides a small sample of your perspective and unique attention to detail. You and I could take photos of the same place and focus on completely different things! You naturally express your creativity through the way you take photographs. Your choice of angle, subject, composition, and other factors are what play into your aesthetic and artistic expression. And if you’re really good, you’ll likely get some recognition for your work.

4. Photographs Make Great Decorations

Some photos you take could make for great decor (especially for your dorm or apartment)! Pop photos into frames, make collages on your bedroom wall, hang polaroids on some string, or put them on your corkboard. Explore the interior decorator in you. Photographs are great conversation starters and people enjoy seeing parts of your life through them.

5. You Can Stay in Touch

Remember when your parents sent your public school photos to family and friends? How they mounted them on their mantles and living room tables? In a way, those photos crafted emotional links between you and the people you love. Imagine how much stronger it would be if the photos were yours. From your first day at school to moving day to graduation, sharing your pictures cataloguing these events will let your relatives catch glimpses of your life even from afar. Friends and family often love seeing what you’re up to and passionate about, so never be shy about sharing them.

6. Pictures Make Awesome Presents

Especially if they’re super artsy. Collages and framed photos containing your best work make for astounding gifts. They’re extremely personal, too, so they’re a great way to show your loved ones how much you care about them!

7. You’ll Keep Yourself Busy

Whether it’s your food, your dog, family and friends, or a beautiful landscape, there’s never a shortage of subjects to photograph. Seriously. There’s a story behind every photo. You might not think you’ll keep the photos of your food and drinks, but you will. Taking photos of anything that catches your eye is worthwhile; whether taking photographs is a hobby or a passion, you’ll never be wasting your time doing it.

Your photos represent you. They have the power to inspire others. You literally possess the ability to capture and savour your life piece by piece–who wouldn’t want to do that? Our youth comes and goes, and being able to treasure your big and small experiences later in life is more important than you know. Take all the photographs you can. Be proud of your stories. You’ll thank yourself for it.