Enjoy Your Family Photos with These Six Creative Printing Ideas
How many of us are guilty of letting our family photos sit untouched on our phones or computers? We invest time and energy in finding the perfect family photographer and receive a gallery of stunning images, only to let them linger on our devices. I know this all too well—even as a photographer, I’ve often made plans to create albums or put up prints, only to watch months pass by without making progress.
With galleries of 50+ photos, it’s hard to know how to use all of them. Recently, I’ve been brainstorming fun, creative ways to display and enjoy these images daily, so here are some ideas for keeping those family photos front and center in your life.
1. Turn Your Photos Into a Puzzle
One of my favorite ways to enjoy family photos is by turning them into puzzles. Years ago, I made a photo puzzle from an engagement photo of my husband and me, but it wasn’t until recently that my daughter discovered it. She loved piecing our faces together, and it got me thinking—how fun would it be to make puzzles from more recent family photos?
You can easily create custom puzzles through services like Shutterfly, which even offer different levels of difficulty depending on the number of pieces. This can turn family photos into an engaging activity for kids of all ages, giving them the joy of seeing their family come together piece by piece.
2. Photo Magnets for Your Fridge
The fridge is one of the most frequented spots in any household, making it an ideal location to display your family photos. You have a couple of options here: you can order custom photo magnets through sites like Mpix, or you can buy magnetic photo holders that allow you to easily swap out photos whenever you like.
Magnets are a fun, casual way to keep family memories in constant view. Whether it’s candid shots or special moments, these magnets can serve as daily reminders of the love and joy in your family.
3. Photo Ornaments for the Holidays
If your family celebrates a holiday involving ornaments, photo ornaments are a great way to display your family photos year after year. Every holiday season, as you decorate the tree, you’ll get to see how much your children have grown over time, sharing memories of each stage with your family.
What’s even more special is that photo ornaments can become cherished keepsakes. Imagine gifting these to your children when they have homes and trees of their own, allowing them to carry on the tradition and reminisce about their childhood.
Many platforms, such as Mpix, Shutterfly, and Etsy, offer customizable photo ornaments, making it easy to create a collection that tells the story of your family through the years.
4. Statement Wall Art
Instead of sticking to traditional framed prints, why not create a standout piece of art with your family photos? There are so many creative ways to make your family photos a focal point in your home. For example, I’ve repurposed an old door, painted it, and used it as a frame for three large metal prints. The unique, rustic look adds a personal touch to my home decor while showcasing family memories.
If repurposing old items like doors or windows isn’t your style, consider creating a large photo collage. A photo wall allows you to display a collection of images, giving you a place to share multiple moments at once. This approach is not only visually impactful but also gives you flexibility to showcase various poses, expressions, and moments from your family photo session. Most photographers offer high quality wall art you can order directly through your gallery making it easy to put together a statement piece from your family's photos.
5. Collect Photo Albums
While this may seem like the most traditional option, creating a custom photo album can be an incredibly rewarding way to enjoy your family photos. A well-made album tells the story of your family over time, from milestone moments to candid memories. You can flip through it on a rainy day, share it with guests, or pass it down as a family keepsake.
Having photo albums created of your family photos from each year is a great way to reminisce with your loved ones about how your family has grown and changed. Some photographers (like me) will include a custom designed album as a part of their service which means you don't need to stress about designing something beautiful your family will love for years to come.
6. Photo Calendars
Another creative way to enjoy your family photos year-round is by creating a custom photo calendar. Not only does this allow you to enjoy a new photo every month, but it also makes for a functional piece of decor that the whole family can use. Custom photo calendars are great for keeping track of family events, activities, and milestones while showcasing your favorite memories.
Online services like Shutterfly offer a range of options for customizing your photo calendar, making it easy to create something truly special.
There are so many creative ways to enjoy your family photos beyond just letting them sit on your phone or computer. From puzzles and magnets to ornaments, wall art, and more, you can make your family memories a part of your daily life. Each time you walk past a framed photo, piece together a puzzle, or hang up your holiday ornaments, you’ll be reminded of the love and joy that makes your family unique.
If you haven’t had a family photo session in a while or are thinking about updating your family photos, now is the perfect time to capture those precious moments. As a Scottsdale family photographer, I’d love to help you create beautiful, timeless images of your family. Schedule your next family photo session today and let’s create memories you can enjoy in creative ways for years to come.
