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If you’re anything like me, your phone houses thousands of photos, but your home is shockingly devoid of printed images.
Erica Connolly understands the predicament. The Texas photographer frames and sells photography of her travels, but even for a professional, she says narrowing down which shots are worth printing and hanging can be difficult. The first step, she says, is a serious culling after each vacation or special occasion.
“When I get back from a trip, I choose 10 favorites that are either going to go in my print shop or on my own walls. Those tend to be the ones that have a story behind them and make me happy when I see them,” she says. “I also lean toward framing photos that reflect my own personal interior space — for example, if the colors or vibe match what I already have going in my home, I’m naturally going to gravitate toward those images.”
Connolly advises not overthinking things and framing “anything that evokes a memory or feeling.” Here’s more advice from her and other experts about how to incorporate framed photography into your space.
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Consider your home’s flow
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When deciding which photos to hang where, Colorado photographer Joe Hendricks says it’s important to consider how you want to feel in each space — and the story you want to convey to guests.
“Show the most important pictures to you when you walk into the house,” advises the owner of Elope Telluride, a studio that photographs elopements. Hendricks’s landscape photography decorates the walls of his office as it’s what inspires him while working. Toward the bedrooms, more personal moments are on display. His primary suite is filled with photos of his son and a montage of the fifth-grader’s early years. “He’s the first and last thing I want to see every day.”
According to Hendricks, the living room is prime real estate to show off accomplishments and interests, whether that’s travels or a hobby.
Print photos in high resolution
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The camera you shoot your images on — whether a point-and-shoot, DSLR or phone — isn’t as important as the resolution of the photo sent to the printer. “If you’ve edited a phone photo anywhere, make sure you’re saving it in high res,” Hendricks says, adding that most phone apps give you the option to save in original resolution even after editing.
For a printed photo, Connolly recommends a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). “Never print a photo that is a screenshot or a photo that has been super cropped as that diminishes the image quality,” she says. “Always save the image at the highest resolution possible for the best printing outcome.”
Most online printers will indicate if your image is high enough resolution for the size print you want. In general, if a device captures imagery of 12 megapixels or higher, Hendricks says you should be able to print in any size.
Don’t get overwhelmed by options
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Many printers offer hundreds of options — from different types of paper to the border width around your image. The most common finishes for a printed photo are matte, lustre and glossy, which offer varying levels of shine. If you’re struggling to decide, Hendricks advises keeping it simple.
“A classic print on matte paper with a small one-inch border in a frame is timeless and perfect. You can’t go wrong,” he says.
Hendricks says a local print shop with a large-format printer is always a safe bet; he also recommends Costco or Sam’s Club. Connolly says Artifact Uprising is a great choice for online ordering. Both photographers advise steering clear of printing at the kiosk at your local supermarket or pharmacy as color calibration and quality are often an issue.
Pick the right mats and frames
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Once you’ve chosen your photos, frame selection comes next. While online companies such as Framebridge and Smallwoods have simplified the print-to-frame process, the options for materials are still plentiful. Connolly suggests letting the photo and your surroundings steer the selection process — for example, if your house is near a forest, a dark wood frame will probably look beautiful, she says.
“It’s fun to consider what’s going on inside of the image,” she says. “If you have a shot from nature, you might consider a wooden frame. If it’s a more industrial image, a black metal frame may be a better fit.”
If you’re planning a symmetrical gallery wall with images of the same ratio and orientation, you’ll probably want to stick to the same frame and matting for all of them, Connolly says. But if you’re going for something more eclectic, consider mixing up sizes and materials.
While mats aren’t required, they add a level of polish to framed photography. Plus, says Connolly, they draw your eye in by creating separation between the image, frame and environment. She generally recommends increasing the mat size as the size of the photo increases but adds that a large mat around a small image can create an interesting contrast.
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Make sure to go big enough
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Consider the negative space available in your home, choosing images and frames that sufficiently fill it, Connolly says. She says framing images that are too small for their intended wall is a critical error many homeowners make.
“Go bigger, go bigger,” she urges. Framing companies and designers often recommend that art take up between 60 and 75 percent of the available wall space where you plan to display it. “The larger the art, the better! I promise it’s going to look the best,” Connolly says.
Use secondary spaces for gallery walls
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If you’re planning to hang a gallery wall of framed photos, interior designer Tori Alexander suggests steering clear of focal points, such as over the mantle. “Use a secondary wall in the room or passage spaces such as hallways and stairwells,” says the principal of Alexander Interiors.
Alexander explains that rooms are often architecturally oriented away from the largest swath of wall space. Installing a group of frames there will take up a good amount of it, “adding interest to an area that otherwise may feel like a void.”
Hang at eye level
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The height at which you should hang images is relative to the size of the wall itself, Alexander says, though “a good rule of thumb is [to start] 60 inches from the floor,” with the goal of centering the piece at eye level. Function should be a priority, she adds — be mindful of how normal daily activities may impact frames.
“If you have young children, you may want to avoid placing framed pieces within their reach or you may spend countless hours re-leveling and keeping the collection straight,” she says.
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No walls? No problem
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In an era of open floor plans, not every home has wall space to spare. If that’s the case for you, Alexander says not to worry.
“I love a rod-and-chain to hang items like art or mirrors by suspension in front of windows,” she says. “Because windows are often the architectural focal point of a room, they really enhance the impact of art when well-executed.”
Or, just go for tabletop frames on a desk or shelf. “Tabletop frames are generally smaller and for images sized four-inches-by-four inches or five-by-seven,” Connolly says. “The more memories around your house, the better. It’s nice when your home can tell a story of you.”
Kristin Luna is a Tennessee-based journalist who writes about travel, food and home design.
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FAQs
How to finally get those photos off your phone and onto your walls? ›
To access it on your laptop, navigate to File > Print with your mouse or type CTRL + P on your keyboard, then select “Printer Properties”. Here you will find a “Photo Printing” option, plus a number of other customizable features like borderless printing, media type and paper size.
How do I print from my Android Gallery? ›- To print multiple photos: Tap and hold a photo. Select more photos. Tap Order photo. Photo prints. .
- To print a single photo: Tap a photo. At the top right, tap More. Order photo. Photo prints.
- To print from an album: At the bottom right, tap Library . Select an album. Tap Order photos. Photo prints.
- Open the Chrome app on your Android phone.
- Open the page, image, or file you'd like to print.
- At the top right corner, tap more and click share.
- Tap the Print button.
- Select the printer you'd like to print from.
- Tap Print!
To access it on your laptop, navigate to File > Print with your mouse or type CTRL + P on your keyboard, then select “Printer Properties”. Here you will find a “Photo Printing” option, plus a number of other customizable features like borderless printing, media type and paper size.
How do I print out a photo? ›- Open the Photos app and select the photo you want to print.
- Tap the More icon (the three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner.
- Choose Print from the list of options that appears.
- Select the printer, paper size, and the number of copies you want to make. Then, tap the Print button.
Photo printing is easy - print photos from your phone
Simply upload your photos, select your prints and delivery method for beautiful printed pictures from your phone. Don't entrust your smartphone storage with the moments that mean the most to you.
Download the 1 Hour Photo app and easily order prints from your phone. No need to go online or wait in line – just open the app, select images from your phone and pick up your order at the store.
How to print pictures at Walgreens from Android? ›The process is simple. Download our Walgreens photo printing app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play free! Then, after opening your new app, choose photos from your phone's photo library to print at your local Walgreens.
Does Walmart print pictures from your phone? ›Easy to Use App
The 1 Hour Photo app makes ordering prints from your phone a breeze. Just select photos from your phone and order them for pickup within the hour. No need for a credit card, pay in store when you pick up your order.
- Select the photo you want to print.
- Tap the triple dots in upper right.
- Scroll over to print.
- Tap on Select Printer.
- Select your printer from the list.
- Change the paper size, if needed, by tapping the down arrow.
- Tap on the printer icon.
Can you print photos yourself at Walmart? ›
Photo Prints Plus makes it super simple to select the photos you wish to print and then send them to your local Walmart for printing. You don't even have to pay for the prints in the app! Simply pay at your local store when you pick them up your photo prints.
Is there a printer just for photos? ›The best photo printer overall: Canon Pixma Pro 200
The print quality is comparable to Canon's more expensive Pro 300 model and, in our test, a bit better than the Epson P700. This model uses an eight-color, dye-based ink system. Dye-based printing offers vibrant colors and deep blacks.
To get started, simply download our free app to your iPhone or Android device. Then choose your photos directly from your phone's camera roll. Finally, select your sizes, quantities, and your most convenient CVS store for 1 hour pickup.
How do I get my printer to print pictures? ›Click the Print photos tile, and then select the photo you want to print. On the Preview screen, change any print job settings, and then click More settings, if the button displays. Select the paper size, type, and tray where you loaded photo paper. Click OK, if necessary, and then click Print to print the photo.
Can Walgreens print photos from my phone? ›Prints, quicker than ever
Order in a few taps! Simply pick your product then select photos from your phone, digital albums (Facebook, Instagram and more) or Walgreens.com. It's that easy!
High Quality Digital Photo Prints Online Starting Rs 7.99.
How do you get something printed from your phone? ›Most modern printers will have Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, or require you to download a printer app to your phone. This allows you to send a document from your phone to a printer wirelessly. If your printer has none of these features, you will need to connect your phone to the printer using a USB cable.
Does Walmart make copies of old photos? ›Keeping your old memories safe is our priority. For every item you send you will receive 1 USB drive with a digital version saved to it. If you send 100 photos we will scan each photo and save them to a USB drive. If you send us 3 VHS tapes we will digitize them & save the contents to 3 USB drives.
What app does Walmart use to print pictures? ›Download the Picta Photo app for free and start printing your pictures today! - Choose your photos, and quantity for every budget. - Tap-tap-done! (Yes, it's that simple!)
Can I send pictures from my phone to CVS to print? ›Our Android photo app lets you print 4x4 and 8x8 prints right from your phone. Choose from 20,000 CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Duane Reade locations to pick up your square photo sizes in a little as 1 hour.
How can I download pictures from my phone at Walgreens? ›
Walgreens Free 1 Hour Photo App
Can you print photos from your phone at Walgreens? Now it's possible, using our Same Day Prints and 1 Hour photo apps for both iPhone and Android! Simply select the pictures you want printed right from your camera roll and pick them up in only one hour from Walgreens.
Choose Browse from Albums to upload an image already stored on your phone, or Take a Picture to upload a brand new image. Select the album where your images are located. Select the photos you would like to upload and tap Upload in the upper right corner. Select to upload to Walgreens.
Does Walgreens see the photos you print? ›Although PHOTO.WALGREENS.COM and Walgreens do not and will not examine and review all Content submitted or transmitted to the Service, PHOTO.WALGREENS.COM and Walgreens may delete, move and edit materials for any reason, at any time, without notice.
Does Target print pictures off your phone? ›You can use Target photo kiosks to upload pictures from your phone and print photos with minimal effort. Best of all, you may be able to pick up your prints in as little as one hour from your in-store Target photo lab.
What app lets you print pictures for free? ›FreePrints® is the free app that gets all those photos off your phone and into your hands in just days! Get 1000 FREE 4x6 prints a year.No subscriptions. No commitments. Print photos quickly, easily and for FREE with the world's #1 photo printing app!
How do you stick 4x6 photos to the wall? ›We recommend using a special sticky tape applied to the wall, which sticks to the back of the frame or picture. It's quick, easy, and, unlike nails, won't cause permanent damage to the wall. Tape is especially handy for homeowners who like to move things around and redecorate every now and then.
Is Walmart or Walgreens better for printing photos? ›Walmart Photo Center is a great place to get prints, and the service is extremely fast and reliable. While the print quality on the images isn't as sharp as Walgreens, and the color not as vivid as you see on Shutterfly, we love the sheer variety of gifts and printing options available at Walmart.
Is glossy or matte better for photos? ›The bottom line for glossy vs matte photos is that glossy is better when you won't be framing behind glass and when your photos have lots of contrast or vibrant colors. Matte is better for classic black and white photos that need to last and might be displayed in a gallery.
How much does a canvas print cost? ›A rolled canvas print starts at as low as Rs 169 and for mounted or gallery wrap canvas the starting price is Rs 199. The cost of printing and mounting depends on the print size, canvas quality and frame thickness. The cost of bulk order can be less as compared to ordering a single unit.
How long do printed photos last? ›If the highest quality paper such as 100% cotton or acid-free paper is used and printed with a high-quality ink-jet printer that uses permanent pigment inks, the photographs should last several hundred years, especially if kept from direct sunlight and stored in moderate temperature and humidity conditions.
What is portable photo printer? ›
A photo printer is a portable pocket-sized gadget that will allow you to snap images on your phone and print them wherever you are. You can also add effects, filters, and other fun features.
What is the name of the printer that prints pictures? ›| Product | Release Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS3520 | 2021 | Black SEE PRICE Black/White SEE PRICE White SEE PRICE |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720/TR4722 | 2021 | Black SEE PRICE Black SEE PRICE White SEE PRICE |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4200 | 2022 | Black SEE PRICE White SEARCH |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2950 | 2022 | Black SEE PRICE |
- Speed like no other. Never miss a deadline with 1 Hour Photo. ...
- Everything all in one place. Order everything you need with 1 Hour Photo and have it ready to pick up in an hour. ...
- Personalize for any occasion. Create photo cards for any occasion with 1 Hour Photo and pick them up in an hour. ...
- Shop on the go.
- Shutterfly.
- FreePrints.
- MailPix.
- Walgreens Photo.
- Snapfish.
- CVS Photo.
- Walmart Photo.
- Printique.
Some quick math reveals that, unless you buy printing supplies at a discount and use them frequently, printing photos at home will always cost more than printing photos through an online service. But at-home printing does offer a level of speed and control that online services will never reach.
Does CVS look at the pictures you print? ›CVS offers image printing services where people can use their cell phones to print off photos on paper. According to the employee, named Mariah, workers are able to see all pictures printed off at their stores, meaning it's not just your significant other getting a peak.
What do you print photos on? ›The most common types of paper for printing photos are glossy, luster, and baryta paper. An inkjet printer uses a printer cartridge that creates an image that is 300 x 300 dpi (dots per inch).
What is the difference between a photo printer and a regular printer? ›Simply put a photo printer is optimised for printing pictures. Usually employing more than the standard four colours, it can produce more colours, more accurately and with less visible grain than a standard printer.
How do I print a document from my gallery? ›Locate the picture or an image that you want to print. Right-click on the selected photo and click on the open button. Click on the "Printer icon" in the top-right corner of the window or you can press the "Ctrl + P" key to print the picture directly.
Why is there no print option on my Android? ›Go to the Settings app. Go to the print options. It's usually in connectivity-related settings. Enable Default Print Service.
How to print from Android at Walgreens? ›
Photo printing at Walgreens Photo is easy with our 1 hour photo app. Simply download our app from the Google Play or Appstore, upload the photos you would like printed and place an order. Walgreens will go ahead and print your order within the hour and you can have access to your beautiful photo prints in a snap.
Where is print option on Android phone? ›Open the Settings app on your Android phone and type “Printing” in the search box. Tap on the Printing option that shows up. Alternatively, you can find this setting in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing.
How do I print pictures from my Samsung phone? ›Print using the Samsung Mobile Print app (Android)
Tap the Print icon. If no device is selected, tap Select Device, and then select the printer from the device list. Select any option such as Photo or Document. To print a photo, select an Album, and then select the picture.
A Gallery Print has been a beloved printing process of photo enthusiasts for years and is the highest quality way to preserve and present your photos. Professional photographers and gallery owners in particular like to make frequent use of gallery prints.
How do you download pictures from your phone to Walgreens? ›Choose Browse from Albums to upload an image already stored on your phone, or Take a Picture to upload a brand new image. Select the album where your images are located. Select the photos you would like to upload and tap Upload in the upper right corner. Select to upload to Walgreens.
How do I upload photos from my phone to Walgreens? ›- 1 Launch the Walgreens app.
- 2 Tap the Photos icon on the lower right.
- 3 Tap Prints or other product that you wish to order.
- 4 Tap Your Device as the location for Import Photos.
Prints, quicker than ever
Order in a few taps! Simply pick your product then select photos from your phone, digital albums (Facebook, Instagram and more) or Walgreens.com. It's that easy!
Print from your device
To print from your phone, add a printer that can get data with Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Open the page, image, or file you want to print. Share. At the top, select a printer.
There are at least two easy ways to print on many modern printers without a computer: memory card reader slots, and PictBridge. Printers vary in their support for different memory card readers, of course, but almost all ink jets have memory card slots to support easy photo printing.