When looking for new ways to print and display your photos, it can be all too easy to hit a dead end and resort back to the same bland frame you’ve always used. Luckily, there are so many new ways to showcase or gift your shots. The fashion in which photos are presented plays a crucial role in communicating the feeling of that captured moment and can fill your desired space with life and personality. 

Though traditional forms of printing and framing are tried and true, they can easily blend into their surroundings and sometimes lack creativity. If you’re looking for some ways to make your pictures stand out, look no further!

Photo Prints Trend #1: Metal Prints

Though photo paper is customary, there are plenty of options when it comes to printing surfaces. Printing on metal panels has become particularly popular in recent years and offers a unique, frame-less option for displaying your photographs. Metal panels are usually made of aluminum, offer sturdy quality, and display a vibrant image. An added benefit to metal photo prints is that you never have to worry about bending or damaging your print or dust and other debris being inside a frame.

Photo Prints Trend #2: Hanging Polaroid or Instax Prints

Instant photography has been around since the late 1940s with the arrival of the Model 95 Land Camera in 1948. Since then, this somewhat quirky process has become popular globally as a method of sharing photos on a much more personal level. In fact, instant cameras are more popular than ever! New Fujifilm Instax camera models are released every year. With the new Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo camera, you can connect your phone to the camera and print photos taken digitally on instant film, using the camera as the printer. 

Even with these instant benefits, the one main issue with instant film prints is that they are a fixed size when they come out of the camera and that size is usually much too small to have on display, especially by itself. However, there are some ways to circumvent this issue. 

One method that is on-trend is hanging string along a wall horizontally and using clothesline clips to fasten the instant prints to the line. You can also use smaller string lights or twine to add a bit more flare to the display. Another creative option is to use a large branch or stick to hang string vertically from and attach the instant photos to each piece of string. This method is unique and keeps all of your favourite instant photos together! This method also allows you to constantly change out the photos you want to display quickly and easily, something that cannot be said about traditional frames. Instead of piling your instant photos away in a box for rare occasions, try out these methods to show off your memories!

Photo Prints Trend #3: Photo Collage

A timeless method of photo presentation is collage. Photo collages are collections of images which are arranged in the same space for the purposes of displaying them as one. Photo collages are perfect for displaying several moments from a trip, pictures of friends and family, or even for grouping together an assortment of images to present an overall theme. Whether the display is for aesthetic, functional, artistic, or commemorative purposes, a photo collage is a perfect way to group the many as one. 

There are a variety of ways to go about creating a photo collage. One popular way is to group the images together on the print itself and use a larger print size to ensure they are all easily visible. Another popular idea is to create a type of collage with individual frames together on a wall. Although photo collages are often made up on several same-sized prints, like the trendy photo tiles, there are other more creative options for your photo collage. By using photo frames of different shapes and sizes, you can arrange the frames closely together in different shapes, utilizing negative space to create a frame collage. Some folks take it a step further and incorporate non-photographic items like sculptures, floral or other nature elements, and mementos in between the pictures to create a photo art installation. Creating a photo collage is a modern and creative way to utilize a larger surface area of a wall rather than displaying just one single frame or art piece. 

Photo Prints Trend #4: Photo Mugs

Printing on mugs and other drinkware is a unique and creative way to display and share your photos! Photo mugs come in variety sizes and styles from 11 oz. photo mugs to frosted mugs and pint glasses. 

Photo mugs can be used for more than just for coffee. Consider using a custom photo mugs a pot for succulents and other small plants, creating a more visually interesting home for your greenery. In addition to spicing up your morning coffee, photo printed mugs can also make great gifts to others and are a fantastic way to share memories with someone else.

A great example of photo mugs for family gifting is one family who created photo mugs every year featuring the kids highlights throughout the year and then gifting it to the grandparents for Christmas. This is a great way for families to have a photo record that they get to enjoy every day when they grab their coffee in the morning.

Photo Prints Trend #5: Large Format Printing

Printing photos in large formats can have an incredible effect on their display and is utilized far less than one would think. Many are hesitant to print their photos in larger sizes for fear of decreasing its image quality however, modern smart phone cameras are now powerful enough to print large scale photos (provided that the image is well exposed), making it that much easier to get incredibly detailed large prints without having to purchase expensive camera equipment. The benefit of the higher image quality in larger prints is that the details of a given scene or moment become much more visible and immersive, which lends itself nicely to a home display. A few large format options to choose from: canvas prints, poster prints, and acrylic prints.

Photo Prints Trend #6: Photo Puzzles

Custom photo puzzles are a unique and engaging way to print your photos. Puzzles are fantastic items to have at home and are even better when personalized with your own photos. Doing a puzzle with your own image on it allows you to take note of every small detail of a photo and also gives you the amazing feeling when you finish the puzzle! Photo puzzles can also be displayed and even framed once finished as well, creating an entirely unique photo print that will effortlessly stand out. In addition, custom photo puzzles are great gifting items and are available in different sizes as well as number of pieces and are fun for all ages! 

Be Creative with Displaying Your Photo Prints

Printing on different mediums is a creative way to enhance the effect your photos have when you display them. Today, different methods of printing are more accessible than ever, allowing photographers of all levels to produce unique, high quality photo prints. Whether it is a gift or for your own enjoyment, experimenting with different forms of printing can take your images to the next level.

Print (and Pop) Your Photos Now!