THE ULTIMATE FAMILY PHOTO WALL ART GUIDE
The only art that goes up on my walls is pictures that I have taken of my own family. I like every wall in my home to tell the story of our family and to act as a conversation piece when guests come over. What else is art good for, besides connecting with other humans in deep and meaningful ways? Naturally, one of the most common questions that I get as a photographer is “what is the best way to display our family pictures?” So I decided to make a guide just for you. The good news is that great wall art doesn’t have to be complicated or inconvenient. I’ve broken it down into a few simple steps to make this as easy as possible for you.
1. Colors: What to consider
The creation of your art begins with the photoshoot and the planning leading up to it. The colors you choose to wear at the location you choose to have photos done at. Different wardrobe colors will drastically change the look and feel of your photos. Take a look around the room you plan to display your photos in. What are the tones? Are they warm (yellow scale) or cool (blue scale)? Bright or muted? Is there an accent color? This is the starting place. You will want to dress in colors that compliment the room and maybe use your accent color paired with plenty of complimentary neutrals as the start of your color palette for your photo wardrobe.
The second thing to consider when thinking of colors is the location of the photos. If your room is full of colors, a lush, green forest might look really nice. If your living room is full of neutrals and tans, choose a dry field instead. If your room has neutrals and grays, a winter or waterfront scene may be the way to go. It’s all up to you and your taste. There is no wrong answer, but I want you to consider these things as you're planning your photoshoot so that it all flows together at the end. When selecting photos to have turned into wall art, choose a cohesive color palette.
Pro-Tip: Discuss your plans with your photographer, she or he may be able to help you make location, wardrobe, and print product (medium) selections that will compliment the room. We are artists and have an eye for color and feel, we want to help!
2. Which photos to print
If you are choosing only one photo to print and display, I recommend selecting a photo that has all family members within it. I like photos that include more of the scenery from the session and where no one is looking at the camera. Photos where no one is looking tend to be warmer in feeling, causing your space to feel more “home-y”
If you are printing more than one of the pictures, I recommend selecting one of each of the following:
The whole family with no one looking at the camera, taken at a wider angle for more scenery
The whole family interacting with each other up close, without as much scenery
Mom and dad together without the kids
All the kids together
Each child individually
If you still have space to fill, then you can expand and choose more images, usually I’d recommend more group or movement images to keep everyone equally displayed
One final note: Pay attention to the orientation of the photos vs how you play to display them. Some photos are taken in a landscape format (the long side is top and bottom) while others are taken in a portrait format (the long side is on the sides). If a photo was taken in landscape, it may not look great if it has to be cropped to fit into a portrait frame. Just be mindful of how you plan to display and ask your photographer if you have doubts.
3. Where to order prints
I recommend having your photos printed by the photographer who took them, if they offer prints. If they don’t offer prints, ask them to refer you to a friend photographer who does. And before you roll your eyes and tell me how expensive that is, hear me out for a minute, because this is important. If you print something and it does not come out right, it will cost you twice as much to have it done again or you’ll look at it every day and feel upset that it’s not quite right.
Yes the price may be a little higher to buy through your photographer than some of the big-box print shops, but your photographer is going to care a whole lot more that your prints are done correctly and look amazing. You’re also gaining valuable time back by not doing the printing work on your own. There is a whole lot of thought that goes into ordering prints so that they come out just right. Here’s a little secret, it is marketing for us, so we want every piece to be gorgeous.
Things your photographer will do that the public printers won’t
Double, triple check that the image will print correctly
Resize and check resolution for optimal, clear printing
Adjust for standard and digital stretch on canvases and other items- an option not available through public printers
Customize to almost any size or product
Calibrate our screens to our print labs so the colors, blacks, and brightness print flawlessly (every print lab will print differently)
Ensure we are only working with labs that use quality supplies so that your art lasts (warping and discoloration is a buzz kill)
Support your local economy
I understand prints can seem like an extra expense when they are not included in your session fee, but if you budget for them and expect to be buying them it takes the edge off of the expense. Most photographers will share their print pricing with you if you ask. You might be surprised to find that your photographer sells you custom art made with a lot of love at a price lower than you could buy wall art for at Target. I’m always in favor of supporting your local artist, which in turn supports your local economy.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your pictures done, I guarantee your photographer will jump for joy if you reach out asking them to print your photos. Tell them you have your jpeg files and would love to have them print it for you.
4. Print MEDIUMS
There are endless options for materials to have your photos printed on. I’m going to cover the most popular ones paper, canvas, and my personal favorite- metal. Please know, there are many options like wood, acrylic, albums and a lot of others in all kinds of shapes, so please ask if you’re looking for something specific.
Paper Prints
Require frames
Sustainable, best for frequent photo updates and repurposing
Vintage appearance
Works in any space
Most customizable- paper textures and frame options
Economical
Crisp and clear visually
Canvas
Frame is optional- but popular these days!
Classic, traditional appearance- works in any space
Limited texture options
More expensive
Best for larger, lower traffic spaces
Softer, muted look
May distort images if ordered incorrectly
Metal Prints
No frames required
Sleek, modern appearance
Gloss or matte options
Great for small or large displays
Most expensive print option
Vibrant and crystal clear appearance
Sits flat against wall, great for tighter spaces
Damage resistant- for high traffic areas
5. Wall Art PATTERNS
Patterns and media can be a little interchangeable when choosing how to display your art. Some do best with choosing medium first, some prefer pattern first. I find that for me medium dictates pattern, so that’s how I chose to write this guide.
Grid:
A grid will look much like an instagram feed. It is tidy, organized and geometric. Much easier to put together. A great option for a busy mom who doesn’t want to think too hard about wall art or spend time collecting and curating pieces. Grids are typically my preference and can be as simple as just one image.
Example:
Gallery:
I like to think of galleries as organized and curated chaos. They can be much trickier to get right and sometimes take time to collect pieces to put together.
I personally struggle with galleries, because I like a clean and minimalist look. I did scour the Internet for the best tips to get it right and here’s what I found:
Galleries are meant to fill a big wall, so space out the art. Don’t hang pieces too close together.
Don’t use too few pieces
Vary the sizes of your pieces
Use pieces that are 8in x 10in or larger
Hang both in vertical and horizontal orientations
Avoid commercial (mass produced) art pieces
Example:
Something in between:
Sometimes I like to opt for something in the middle. There is no wrong answer in art.
Example:
Pro Tip: Use painters tape to outline on the wall when measuring size to see what looks right.
Lay out the gallery or grid on the floor before hanging on the wall to make sure your pieces are arranged perfectly prior to applying hardware.
6. ART Size
Sizing is relatively simple. You can use a single piece or multiple pieces to make up the space filling the follow guidelines.
Choose art that is 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the wall or furniture it’s being displayed over.
Art over fireplaces should be as wide as the opening of the fireplace regardless of mantel width
Blank walls, use the three eighths rule. If you have a 9 ft (or 108 inch) wall, you will multiply 108 inches x 0.57 = an art piece that is about 60 inches wide.
Choose art that is 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the wall or furniture being displayed over.
Art over fireplaces should be as wide as the opening of the fireplace regardless of mantel width
Blank walls, 3/8s rule. 9 ft wall= 108 inches x 0.57 = an art piece that is about 60 inches wide.
7. Height
Always hang art by it’s center, never alight by tops or bottoms (unless It’s on a shelf)
57 inch rule. Center of the art should be 57-60 inches high, or eye height of an average person.
6-8 inches above furniture pieces
When hanging multiple pieces, each should be spaced 3-4 inches apart and fill 2/3 width of furniture it is displayed over or the wall it is displayed on.
For very large art, over 120inches, you do not need to follow the 57inch rule, just hang your piece so that the bottom edge is about a foot above the floor.
That should just about cover everything you need to know and consider when turning your Spokane family portraits into wall art. And by the way, I am booking sessions for fall and I’d love to make your wall art dreams come true. Click the button below to secure your spot and I’ll help you plan it from start to finish.