Say Cheese

  

The dilemma: boxes of family photos that need to be organized. Its one of those projects everyone will get around to "someday'. Sure, a select few to frame or file them away in photo albums. But, what should be done with the rest of the photos? Here are some solutions.

 

(Digitize.)

 

Turn those prints into digital files. by scanning them into the computer. Tackle the project in small intervals. Set an easy to attain goal, such as to scan 25 photos each week. File the photos as they are scanned. Throw the paper photo away. It is hard to do, but once its scanned them there is no need to keep the photos. It will becomes cluttered junk. The most important step in this process is back up the files. This can be done online or with an external hard drive. A great online storage is Shoebox. It's only $5 a month and produces random searches. IPhone's and computers can sync automatically. Its truly an amazing app. If you must keep your old photos, label the boxes and store them neatly, where they won't get wet or become affected by humidity.

 

(I've been framed.)

 

A family photo wall is always a favorite in any home. However, try to include more than just the kids school photos and wedding photos. Mix in candid photos of all family members. Hang a photo of the friends and relatives who visit on a regular basis. Nothing makes guests feel more welcome than seeing their photo hanging on the wall. This is also a fun decorating idea for your child's room too. Use brightly colored coordinating frames and include photos of grandparents, school friends and accomplishments.

 

 

(Think outside the box.)

 

Be creative when arranging photo displays on a wall.  There are a ton of idea's on Pinterest. Some favorite idea's include:

• Hang a grouping of various sizes and frame finishes together to fill a large space.
• If you have an old frame, hang photos from clothes pins on a piece of twine. 
• Make a photo collage under a large piece of glass on your desk.
• Tack photos on a large bulletin board and mix in memento's
• Paint a tree on the wall and hang photo's from the branches

(Party on, dude!)

 

Support a party theme. with photographs. Photo CD are great party favors. Burn CD's of the photos for family members for holiday, anniversary or wedding gifts. Use a childhood photo of each guest as place cards for a dinner party. String old photos to make garland. The idea's are endless. Be creative and think outside the box... or, uh, outside the photo album.