If you read our post about how to download, cull, and store your images, welcome to your next step, with all the best ideas for your photos!! While sharing photos on social media is easy, there’s SO MUCH MORE you can do with your images to turn them into family heirlooms and make the juice worth the squeeze here.
As moms, we generally have the added responsibility of being the family’s memory maker and keeper (whether we signed up for it or not, lol) and learning how to print, display, and store photos can add another layer of creativity to your home. I also strongly believe that printing and displaying photos in your home communicates value and love to your children and family.
My favorite ideas for photos including ways to print and showcase them are below.
Where to Print Your Photos
One of the top questions I get from moms after they learn photography is, “Where should I print my photos?” There are many labs out there, but I always recommend keeping it simple. I use both Nations Photo Lab and Mpix for printing photos. Other professional photographers will be screaming right now that I am not telling you to go print your photos at Miller’s or somewhere similar, but we are talking about making affordable prints that you can change as you learn to document more.
*Notes on these labs: Mpix is known for its stunning black-and-white prints, while Nations Photo Lab’s color prints are vibrant and true-to-life. I have used both, and Nations does a good job standing by their color correction (if prints come back not true-to-life, they will reprint them if you pay for the color correction) but when I order from MPix, I never feel the need to have them re-printed.
What Surfaces to Print On
Paper choice matters. I love how matte paper helps avoid glare if your prints are displayed under glass. However, don’t stress if matte isn’t an option—lustre is a beautiful finish that balances richness and minimal reflection.
As for canvas prints, I have a bit of an unpopular opinion: I’m not a fan. 😅 Family photos on canvas often lose detail and it is SO EXPENSIVE to make a canvas! I prefer the versatility of a traditional framed print. It’s easier to switch out prints over time, encouraging you to refresh your home with new memories. Paper prints are far less expensive and easier to store later if you get an updated photo you want to switch out.
For the adventurous, there are unique surfaces like acrylic, metal, and wood. While I haven’t used them myself, I’ve seen some striking examples, especially for nature or landscape photos. If you love experimenting with your photography, these could be fun ways to add variety.
Photobooks
If you’re serious about preserving memories, photobooks are one of the the BEST ideas for photos. At home, we’ve made yearly photobooks since 2007, combining both phone snaps and “real camera” shots. They’re a true time capsule for our family, and I love including a spread for every family photoshoot.
You don’t have to be a pro to make one. Start small with a vacation album or a book for your child’s first year. Be warned, though. Creating photobooks can be overwhelming if your photos aren’t organized! This is where a simple storage system saves the day.
“Yearbooks” as we call them are our absolute favorite way to print and preserve memories. Our children LOVE looking through them and hearing stories. I use Mixbook to create ours, and use can click that link for 40% off your first order + free shipping!
Where to Display Photos in Your Home
As I mentioned above, displaying family photos in your communicates a sense of belonging. If you love to switch things up, gallery ledges and floating shelves are perfect. They’re easy to make and allow for constant rearrangement without damaging your walls. In children’s rooms room, I’ve gone for IKEA frames with acrylic instead of glass, which is both budget-friendly and safer. I store photobooks near the coffee table so they are easily accessible.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention electronic picture frames and things like Google and Alexa displays! A digital display is a great way to be surrounded by your favorite images and stories with the sheer volume of photos we take these days.
Other Ways to Share Your Images
Family photos don’t have to be limited to frames and books. Consider custom calendars—which make a great gift! My sister always gifts these to everyone in our family after gathering photos from everyone! Imagine flipping through a year of beautiful family moments as you plan your month. For a more functional option, try magnets featuring your favorite shots or even custom phone chargers. They’re practical, stylish, and make great gifts for family members.
Photography is more than capturing a moment—it’s also about sharing those moments in ways that bring joy to your family and home. What are your favorite ways to display your family’s photos?