Why do the pictures of James & Lily NOT speak?

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 121304


doobdeb:
> I was re-reading our Harry Potter books, (I share custody of them 
> with my 12-year old), and realized the pictures in Dumbledore's 
> office and Sirius' house not only move, but carry on conversations 
> with the living.  Has it ever been explained why pictures of these 
> dead people speak and the pictures Harry has of his parents do not?
> Thanks!


SSSusan:
I think the general consensus is that it's the difference between 
[painted] *portraits* and [printed] *photographs.*  I don't think 
that any of the photographs we've seen "speak."

Siriusly Snapey Susan