Article Updated: March 18, 2026

What to Do With Your Family Photos After Your Session

After your session, one of the most common questions I get is what to do with your images now that you have them. It’s easy for photos to live on a phone or computer, but they’re meant to be seen and enjoyed every day.

Framed portraits and custom wall art turn your images into something lasting, something your family experiences, not just stores on a hard drive. That’s where I come in! I can help guide you through selecting and designing pieces that fit your home beautifully.

One of the most popular ways to display portrait artwork is wall art. And there are various options of wall art. In this post, we will be putting a spotlight on professionally framed artwork. Gallery wrap canvases are another wonderful way to display your pictures.

Why Framed Family Portraits Are Worth It

Framed family portraits are more than décor, they become part of your home and your daily life.

Unlike digital images, framed prints:

• Create a daily visual connection to your family
• Add warmth and personality to your home
• Turn meaningful moments into lasting heirlooms

Whether displayed as a statement piece or part of a gallery wall, professionally framed artwork brings your photos to life.

Framed vs Canvas: Which Is Best for Your Family Photos?

Choosing your favorite images comes first. Once you’ve narrowed those down, the next step is deciding how you’d like to display them.

Framed Family Portraits

• Classic and timeless
• Polished, finished look
• Ideal for living rooms, hallways, and formal spaces

Canvas Wall Art

• Clean and modern
• Slightly more relaxed feel
• Great for larger statement pieces or grouped displays

Many families choose a combination, framed portraits for main living spaces and canvas pieces for a softer, more casual look.

How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Home

The right frame makes a significant difference in how your family portraits look and feel in your space.

Style & Color
Neutral frames blend seamlessly, while wood tones or darker finishes create contrast and depth.

Matting
Matting adds space around your image and elevates the overall presentation, especially for smaller prints.

Size
Smaller frames (8×10, 11×14) work well on shelves or desks, while larger pieces (16×20, 20×30 and above) create impact on walls.

If you’re unsure what will work best, I help design artwork specifically for your space including custom wall mockups using photos of your home. You can also read my guide on choosing the right size wall art.

I’ve also put together a Pinterest board with family photo wall art ideas and framed artwork in real homes.

Where to Hang Your Framed Family Photos

Thoughtful placement makes your artwork feel natural and integrated into your home.

Popular locations include:

• Living room gallery walls
• Staircases and hallways
• Bedrooms and nurseries
• Home offices and reading nooks

Even a single framed print can transform a space. Often, small adjustments in placement or size make the biggest impact. If you’re having trouble picturing what your photos would look like in your own space, I also walk families through how to photograph their walls to create custom mock ups so you can see your artwork in your home before it’s ever printed.

Custom Framed Family Portraits in Andover, MA (Boston & North Shore)

As a family photographer based in Andover, Massachusetts, I work with families across the Boston and North Shore area to create custom framed wall art that fits their homes and style.

From selecting frames to designing complete gallery walls, the process is fully guided and intentionally simple. The goal is always the same: to create artwork that feels personal, cohesive, and built to last.

Here are some closer looks at the detail, hardware and texture of one of our black frames paired with a classic black mat.

In my studio I have a large collection of framed portraits from over the years. Below is an example using frames made from recycled barn wood that have a rustic, vintage look.

The natural grain and subtle imperfections in the wood give each rustic frame a unique, handcrafted feel.

Below is an example of a custom wall mock up using framed artwork, helping you visualize exactly how your family photos will look in your own space. If you’re looking for more family photo wall art ideas, you can read more about how to photograph your walls for custom artwork mock ups.

Framed Artwork Options

Custom framed family portraits are available in a wide range of styles and finishes:

• Wood Frames: natural, painted, or stained finishes (white, black, gray, walnut)
• Metal Frames: clean, modern options in black, white, silver, or gold
• Classic Frames: simple, timeless profiles that keep the focus on the image
• Ornate Frames: detailed carving and elevated finishes for a more traditional look

All frames are professionally crafted with high-quality materials designed for longevity.

Matting options are available in neutral tones such as white, black, and gray, including single and double mat styles for added depth.

There are some examples in this post, but for the full range of availability please reach out today to start designing your custom framed family portraits.

This classic frame is one of the thickest options and brings a timeless feel to a wall or shelf.

For a more modern and polished look, metallic frames are available in finishes like gold, silver, black, and platinum.

Here we have examples of more ornate frame styles, featuring detailed carving and elegant accents for a more classic, elevated look.

These timeless frame options offer a clean, classic look that allows your family photos to remain the focal point.

Frames with subtle detailing can create a slightly more elevated and refined look without overwhelming the image itself.

Matting is available in neutral tones like gray, black, and white. Below, you can see the difference between a single mat (left) and a double mat (right), each offering a slightly different level of depth and emphasis.

FAQs About Framed Family Photos

Q: Are framed prints better than canvas for family portraits?
A: Both are excellent options. Framed prints offer a more traditional, finished look, while canvas provides a modern, softer feel.

Q: How long do professional framed photos last?
With proper materials and care, professionally framed portraits can last for decades without noticeable fading.

Q: What size frame is best for family photos?
A: It depends on your space. Small sizes (8×10, 11×14) work well on shelves or desks, while larger sizes (16×20, 20×30) are perfect for gallery walls or statement pieces. If you’re still deciding, our guide to choosing the right size wall art walks you through exactly what works best for different spaces.

Q: Can you help design a gallery wall with my framed family photos?
A: Absolutely! I love helping families plan layouts, mix frame styles, and create a display that fits their home and tells their story.

Ready to Display Your Family Memories?

If you’re ready to transform your images into custom framed family portraits and wall art, I’d love to help.

I work with families throughout Andover, Boston, and the North Shore to design artwork that feels intentional, elevated, and personal so your photos become part of your home, not just files on a screen.

Let’s make your walls tell your family’s story. Reach out today!