Today's digital age makes taking photographs easy. But a Google expert warned that precious memories might be lost as present technology is superseded by something better and computer discs and USB sticks become obsolete.

These changes prompted reflections from Ian Baxter, of Linthwaite. He says: “One hundred years ago photography was a hobby for the comparatively wealthy or the dedicated enthusiast. A serious practitioner would set out with a large plate camera, a tripod and as many heavy glass plates as he could reasonably carry.”

Today, anyone can take pictures with a mobile phone. Kodak introduced a small roll-film camera in 1912 but, up to the Second World War, photography was still regarded as an expensive pastime, says Ian. Affordable cameras became available post-war and became progressively cheaper and easier to use.

Then came the digital revolution. Ian enjoyed using film cameras and now collects them. There are, he says, many excellent cameras on the market as their owners move to digital photography.

“Your article reminded me of the great enjoyment I have had from conventional film photography and brings to mind the comment of another photographer.

“He said to me many years ago: ‘There are more photos being taken now than ever before. But there will probably be fewer good ones.’”

Digital has made it easy to take pictures and, even if they are not of great quality, they still capture moments and memories. Until technology makes them obsolete.

Ian says he’s used a digital camera for eight years and has a simple principle: “I print any pictures I want to keep.”

It seems like good advice.