Don't Hang Photos on the Wall?

Cary Family and Newborn Photography | SMA Photography

“We don’t really hang large family photos on the wall.”

It’s something I hear from clients from time to time, and I do understand. Large sized family portraits are not for every family! But it’s still so important to display your family and newborn photos because of their impact on children’s self-esteem and even your own happiness.

So how can you reap those benefits that come with displaying photos of your children and family? I have some great solutions for you.

4 Ways to Display Newborn and Family Photos

1. Choose an art photograph over a more traditional portrait. This is one of my favorite options for a wall because it’s a subtle and beautiful way to bring back memories. With each of my family photo sessions, and my newborn photo shoots too, in addition to the images I know you are looking to have, I strive to deliver several shots that are more artistic in nature, whether that’s a detail, movement, or emotion. While it may not be an intuitive choice for most families to go with one of the art photographs as a large wall print, those who do, are so happy they did. These prints are more of an art piece than a traditional family portrait, but they still bring back the memories - and more importantly, the feelings - of the moment.

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This photo of my son in our pool (right after a big jump!) is one of the large art prints in our hallway. I love how abstract and emotive it is, yet at the same it brings back wonderful memories of summer days in the pool for all of us.

2. Create a gallery wall with smaller photos. I have two of these gallery wall photo collections in my home - in our bedroom hallway and in my office - and I love mixing larger (8x10) frames with smaller (5x7) frames. This is such a lovely option for areas we pass several times a day, like stairwells and hallways, as it gives us an opportunity to see many of our favorite family and newborn photos every day. It’s also easier and less expensive to switch out a few photos with new favorites after each family photo session.

My kids love our gallery wall and remember each day captured in the photo. I’ll also admit that when one of my children is acting like a turkey, passing the gallery wall reminds me of the good times and that this, too, shall pass.

3. Place smaller framed photos in bookcases or on dressers. This is another of my favorite ways to display photos in my home. I just love to see smaller framed photos nestled in with books! Each member of our family also has framed photos on their dresser. It’s a lovely thing to see how loved you are in family photos both at the start of your day and at the very end before bed.

4. Invest in an album - and keep it handy. Albums can be a wonderful way to display our family photos, as long as we don’t keep them hidden away in boxes or closets. Albums are meant to be flipped through and enjoyed regularly, so I suggest keeping them in arm’s reach of a comfy spot - an end table by your sofa, for example. It’s so fun to look through albums with our children and hear what they see and remember in the photos, as well as which ones are their favorites!

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However you choose to display your family and newborn photos, please know that just having photos of your family and children out and seen regularly is the most important thing of all.

I’d love to see how you display family photos in your home - whether it’s one of the ways I suggest or something completely different! - so please tag me on IG @sma.photography.nc or email me your photos.

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And if you’re interested in learning more about a newborn photo session or family photography with me, get in touch. I’d love to answer any questions you have and help you get set up with beautiful photos to display and enjoy in your home.