As a portrait photographer, I understand how important it is for parents to have beautiful and meaningful family photos that capture the essence of their family. But then what? How do you choose the right prints and products to display and preserve those precious memories? In this guide, I’ll share some tips and advice on how to choose the right prints and products for your family photos.
First things first, determine your goals and priorities.
Before you start selecting your favorite products, it is important to determine your goals and priorities. What is the purpose of these photos? Are they meant to be displayed in your home, or will they be given as gifts to family and friends? Do you want to create an heirloom keepsake that can be passed down through generations, or are you simply looking for a way to preserve your photos for personal enjoyment?
Consider your personal style and home decor
When selecting prints and products, it’s important to consider your personal style and home decor. You want to choose products that will go along with your home decor and reflect your personal taste. For example, if your home has a rustic feel, you might consider wooden products or canvas prints. If your style is more modern, metal prints or framed prints might be a better fit. Think about where you’ll be displaying your prints and products, and choose items that will look great in those spaces.
Choose high-quality materials.
When it comes to prints and products, quality matters. You want to choose products that are made with high-quality materials.. Look for products that are made with archival-quality materials that won’t fade or deteriorate over time. Choose prints that are printed on high-quality paper with a long lifespan. When it comes to albums and folio boxes, look for products that are made with durable materials that will protect your photos for years to come.
Consider the size and orientation of your photos
When choosing prints and products, it’s important to consider the size and orientation of your photos. You want to choose products that will showcase your photos in the best possible way. If you have a horizontal photo, for example, a canvas print or framed print might be a better choice than a vertical product. If you have a large group photo, consider a panoramic print or a multi-panel canvas to display the photo in its entirety.
Think about how you’ll display your products.
Once you’ve chosen your prints and products, it’s important to think about how you’ll display them. Consider your home’s layout and where you’ll be displaying your prints and products. Will you be hanging them on the wall, displaying them on a shelf, or storing them in an album or box? Think about the size and placement of your products, and choose items that will look great in those spaces.
Choose products that tell a story
Your family photos are more than just pictures – they tell a story about your family and your life together. When choosing prints and products, consider how you can use them to tell that story. For example, an album or folio box can be a great way to showcase a a larger number of photos. A collage or multi-panel canvas can tell the story of your family over time, showing how you’ve grown and changed together.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of prints and products. A collection of framed prints can look great displayed together on a gallery wall, while an album and folio box can be used to create a beautiful and cohesive keepsake. Experiment with different types of products and see what works best.. At my studio, I often show two different products together so that clients can see how they actually go really well together. I have metal prints hung next to canvases as well as wood prints. As long as the photos go together to tell a story, the material you print on should go well together.
At my studio, I offer a wide variety of different products made in several different finishes and materials. Let’s break down some of the popular choices and go in depth as to what each one is.
Albums
Albums are a great way to preserve and showcase your professional photos. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from classic leather-bound albums to more modern lay-flat albums with custom covers. Albums are perfect for capturing a collection of photos from a special event or vacation, or for creating a beautiful keepsake of your family’s history. They also make great gifts for family members. When choosing an album, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and features acid-free pages to protect your photos. Consider the size of the album and how many photos it can hold, as well as the style and cover options. You can also add custom text and designs to your album to make it truly unique.
Wooden Products
Wooden products, like photo blocks, plaques, and frames, are a great way to add a rustic and natural feel to your family photos. They are perfect for displaying on shelves, mantles, or even hanging on the wall. Wooden products can come in a bunch of different sizes and shapes, from simple square blocks to more intricate designs. Choose wooden products that are made with high-quality, sustainably-sourced wood. Make sure to think about the size and the orientation of your photo and choose a product that will showcase it in the best possible way. You can also customize your wooden product with text or designs to make it unique.
Keepsake Boxes
Keepsake boxes are a beautiful way to store and protect your family photos. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, from classic wooden boxes to more modern acrylic or metal designs. Keepsake boxes are perfect for storing a collection of photos from a special event or vacation, or for creating a keepsake of your family’s history. When choosing a keepsake box, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and features acid-free pages or sleeves to protect your photos. Consider the size of the box and how many photos it can hold, as well as the style and cover options. You can also add custom text or designs to your keepsake box to make it truly unique.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints or Gallery wraps are a popular choice for displaying family photos. Canvases have a timeless and classic look, and are perfect for displaying in a variety of spaces. Canvases come in a variety of sizes and styles, from single-panel prints to multi-panel collages. Look for canvases that are made with high-quality materials and feature archival-quality inks that won’t fade or deteriorate over time, at my studio, we only offer this type of canvas print. Consider the size and orientation of your photo and choose a canvas size that will showcase it in the best possible way. You can also choose from a variety of frame options to give your canvas a finished look.
Metal Prints
Metal prints are a modern and unique way to display family photos. They have a sleek and contemporary look, and are perfect for displaying in a modern or minimalist space. Metal prints come in a variety of sizes and styles, from single-panel prints to multi-panel collages. When choosing a metal print, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and features archival-quality inks that won’t fade or deteriorate over time. Consider the size and orientation of your photo and choose a metal size that will showcase it in the best possible way. You can also choose from a variety of finish options to give your metal print a unique and customized look.
Paper Prints
Paper prints are a classic and traditional way to display family photos. They have a timeless look and are perfect for displaying in a variety of spaces. Paper prints come in a variety of sizes and styles, from standard photo prints to more specialized fine art prints. When choosing a paper print, look for one that is printed on high-quality, archival paper that won’t yellow or fade over time. Make sure to think about the size and orientation of your photo and choose a paper size that will showcase it in the best possible way. You can also choose from a variety of finish options, such as glossy or matte, to give your print a unique look.
Framed Prints
Framed prints are a classic and elegant way to display family photos. They are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your home decor. Framed prints come in a variety of sizes and styles, from classic black frames to more ornate gold frames. When choosing a framed print, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and features archival-quality paper and inks. Consider the size and orientation of your photo and choose a frame size that will showcase it in the best possible way. You can also choose from a variety of matting options to give your framed print a custom look.
Folio Boxes
Folio boxes are a unique and versatile way to display and store your family photos. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, from classic leather boxes to more modern acrylic or metal designs. Folio boxes are perfect for displaying a collection of photos from a special event or vacation, or for creating a keepsake of your family’s history. When choosing a folio box, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and features acid-free pages or sleeves to protect your photos. Consider the size of the box and how many photos it can hold, as well as the style and cover options. You can also add custom text or designs to your folio box to make it truly unique.
Choosing the right prints and products for your family photos can be a fun and rewarding process. By considering your personal style, the purpose of your photos, and the size and orientation of your photos, you can choose prints and products that will showcase your photos in the best possible way. Whether you choose albums, wooden products, keepsake boxes, canvases, metal prints, paper prints, framed prints, or folio boxes, your family photos are sure to be treasured for years to come
