A photograph as an art object has to be a physical print. A print is the final unchanging committed output of an artist.
Photographs are more often seen on screens- Computers, mobiles, tablets. The space between a viewer and a screen and space between viewer and a print are completely different.
The space with the screen is occupied as a temporary illusion. The mind knows that it is a transient experience it can change or be changed any time. With a few adjustments independent of the originating artist it can be made to look completely different.
A print on the other hand as already mentioned is a final unchanging committed output of an artist.
The creator has made many conscious decisions- Size, paper texture, framing, borders, toning. All these add up to create that mood and impact of what the artist is trying to convey.
A print is a dimensional fixed output on an established plane that can be touched and felt. It is independent of any other dependencies or resources for a viewer experience. Not even power or batteries !
In conclusion the space between a viewer and a print is a more controlled space where the artist will be able to communicate with the viewer in a manner consciously chosen
So, we need to print to be able to think about our work seriously and grow as an artist
