At some point in the history of the world someone told us that we couldn't use personal photos in the "formal" areas of our home. I would like to challenge that. I would like to change that. I would like that person to slide off my parlor's horsehair sofa.
Times have changed. Photography is now more accessible. Our homes are more casual. What was once a single stilted posed photograph is now a digital photo diary of the moments of our lives. We have easy access to edit and enhance our snapshots.
Tips for artful family photo displays:
1. Choose a good picture. 
Click through your digital photos very quickly. When you come across one that catches you eye copy it to another file. After you have done this initial sort go to the copied files and really look at each photo. Please keep in mind that you are looking for art, not perfection. Choose a photo to edit.
2. Edit your photo: 
If you regularly edit photos, please skip ahead to the next number. If you don't, let me give you the following pep talk…
You can do this! There are many ways to accomplish photo editing. You can use a program like photoshop on your computer or check out some of the free on-line choices. I used Picnik for these photos. I regularly use the free software that can be downloaded from Shutterfly. Once your photo is chosen you can crop, enhance and change the color on your picture. 
3. Group your photos. 
I like to group the photos first by subject/background and then frame them identically. The pictures above hang in my living room and is each of my boys taken at the same age in the same outfit.
4. Black and white might be a good option. 
If you have photos that you would like to use but their background and predominant colors are different, convert them to black and white. When black and white photos are grouped it neutralizes the various visual differences.
Black and white photos are less recognizable as family photos. They can easily be used in more formal areas of your home if framed appropriately for the space.
5. Don't overlook less obvious places for displaying photos. 
Empty walls in hallways, mudrooms, bathrooms and even closets are photo candidates. I like to hang family pictures where the famiy will see them. The pictures above hang in one of my bathrooms.
6. Use fancy frames in bookshelves. 
I like to frame photos hung on the wall simply. When framing photos to be displayed in bookcases I go wild. Most bookcases are filled with colorful books and accessories. A photo will have more impact if framed in a contrasting color or decorative frame.
A home should reflect the family who lives there.
I am usually much sillier at June Cleaver Nirvana.
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Great tips! I hope this gets more people to proudly display their photographs. (I was taught that older photos and formal portraits were okay.) I love seeing a wonderfully candid shot framed beautifully and displayed with pride.
I, too, LOVE framed candid shots!!!
The picture of my son on the teeter-totter, framed and hanging in my kitchen is absolutely one of my FAVORITES!!!!
Karrie
http://getthisgirlsomegrits.blogspot.com/