Creative Ideas for Displaying and Organizing Photos

As the weather begins to show hints of spring, you may be feeling the need to get a head start on some spring cleaning. What better time to get caught up on sorting, organizing, archiving, or displaying your growing collection of digital or print photos? Whether you're attempting to sort through hundreds of pictures you took on a recent family vacation, looking for new ways to display your children’s latest accomplishments, or just trying to make sense of your growing pile of photos, a family photo marathon can be a fun and productive way to spend a rainy day.

Researchers at the Open University in the United Kingdom found that looking through photos of loved ones is more relaxing to most people than eating chocolate, listening to music, watching television, or even drinking a glass of wine. What’s more, there exists a host of ideas for preserving your photos in new and interesting ways, or even turning them into original artwork or unique home decorations.

Start by sorting and organizing your photos. If they exist digitally, you’ll need to select the pictures you want, delete the ones you don’t, and move them into specific folders. Once they're organized, you can then decide what you want to do with them: print, archive, enlarge, or a host of other options. If you use a film camera, you most likely have prints and the corresponding negatives from your roll(s) of film. In this case, you’ll need to spend some time sorting through the photos, throwing away the ones you don't want to keep, labeling the negatives for future enlargements, and organizing the photos into boxes, bins, or other temporary storage devices.

Now it’s time to think creatively. Consider the following ideas, or visit a craft, photocopy, or art supply store for inspiration:

• Imagine new display ideas. Digital picture frames are all the rage, but buyer beware—some are better than others (and they’re not cheap). Visit www.consumerreports.org for a full report.
• Ponder new sizes. Print your photos in wallet size (1-1⁄2 x 3-inch prints), then organize them into a miniature album. Alternatively, print your favorite photos in 5 x 7-inch size, and display them (one to a page) in an 8 x 8-inch scrapbook. It shouldn’t require a lot of work if you buy pre-cut 8 x 8-inch paper and simply mount each photo on a sheet that contrasts with the colors in the photo. Enlargements also make great items for displaying.
• Let the experts do the work. Many online photo-developing destinations will do handle all the details. All you need to do is upload your digital photos to the site, select the book cover, size, and design you like, and leave the printing and binding up to the experts. Prices range from roughly $7 for a miniature album (measuring 5 x 7 inches) to $30 or more for a 9 x 10-inch book with a linen cover. What’s more, many online destinations can turn your photos into greeting cards, postcards, stickers, and even stamps.
• Frame it up differently. If you're tired of simply printing 4 x 6-inch photos, placing them in a frame, and putting them on your dresser, then it’s time to switch it up. Consider making 8 x 10-inch enlargements, then mounting them on foam core at your local copy shop. The resulting oversized print can be hung directly on your wall without a frame.
• Think outside the box. Purchase an unpainted shadow box, wall hanging, tray, or other unfinished item—and create a collage of photos right on the surface. Mixed media items such as ribbons, buttons, or other found objects will create a unique, three-dimensional look.
• Use your photos for correspondence. The possibilities for using photos to create unique cards, letterhead, stickers, and even real postage stamps are endless. Visit www.stamps.com or www.zazzle.com for more information about turning your photos into authentic postage; visit www.kodakgallery.com if you’re looking to transform your photos into stickers; and visit www.sendoutcards.com for all kinds of other creative ideas.