I’ve been talking a lot recently about the importance of printing photos. There are two primary drivers behind this “campaign” – enjoyment and loss protection.   Why do we take photos? – to celebrate an event, a moment, a smile, a stage; and to hold on to that memory for our future selves and the generations to follow.   Let’s start with the idea of photos being a celebration of something, and that we can print photos to enjoy today.

Back in the “old days” of film photography, when you got back your envelope of prints from the lab you might save some of them in an album, a few might get put in a frame or stuck on the fridge. Every time you went to the fridge or walked past the frame you would see the photo and smile. Don’t you miss that? Today, you probably take a photo with your phone and then… that’s right, nothing. Or maybe you post a couple to your Instagram or Facebook and then… maybe in a couple of years Facebook will show you that photo again as a “memory” but in the meantime?… (there’s a lot of maybe’s there aren’t there?) That’s why I am on a crusade of sorts to help you print and enjoy your photos.

Making prints has never been easier. You can purchase “at home” printers, that print great quality snaps at reasonable prices, most even allow you to print straight from your phone or wifi enabled camera, no messing around with downloads, memory cards, and so on. (Side note – I wouldn’t recommend this option for archival prints, ones you want to endure for generations, but they are great for “here and now” snaps). Another easy option is many of the big box printers (Costco, Walmart, Superstore) and Henry’s Camera Store, have options to send straight from your phone to their printers (with Costco’s photo app you can send in your order ahead of time, ready to pick up when you are in the warehouse).

Now you’ve made some prints, what are you going to do with them? Table-top frames are nice, but there’s only so much shelf space, right? Let’s put them on the walls. Framed galleries are a nice idea, and I’ll share some inspiration on these in the future (or you can check out my Pinterest board where I hoard ideas!) But, galleries take a little more time to put together. How about some ideas that you can quickly throw together with your prints, and even easily update as you make new prints?

I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite products or DIY ideas that make quick and easy display options. (Side Note – I have no affiliation to any of these products, I am not commissioned by them in any
way, I just like them and want to share ideas and resources with you.)

WITH MAGNETS

There’s loads of places you can use magnets to display your prints.  I particularly like “mighties” magnets because they are super strong and tiny so they don’t obstruct your picture.  There’s a whole range of sizes by Three By Three.  Locally, you can buy them from the Canadian site goneshopping.ca

On a wire –

This is essentially a colour coated piece of wire, with super strong little magnets. Hang the rope wherever you like (a 3M Command hook or thumb tack will do) and just click on your prints.  This is made by Kikkerland, but there are other similar products around.

On a magnet board –

I got this framed, magnetic white board at Staples, pair it with mighties magnets and voilà

Ikea also sells a great simple magnet board that you can hang solo or get several for a bigger display.

On your wall –

I recently discovered these nifty things called “Good Hangups” – they are kind of like a magnetic post-it. You stick the little tab on your wall and then use a magnet (included with the hangups) to put up your photo. The tabs can be moved and repositioned to your heart’s content.

WITH CLIPS

Super simple – hang a string or ribbon from a single hook or thumb tack for a vertical display, or across two for a horizontal, and then use either mini binder clips or mini clothespins to attach your prints.
	Umbra has a nice “out of the box” product to achieve the same effect.  It’s called the “Hang It” and comes in white, natural and black finishes.  It can be hung horizontally or vertically.

Pinterest is full of ideas for fancier versions of this same concept (lots on my “Display Ideas” board)

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