Hey friends! As a family photographer in Goodyear, Arizona, and a mom myself, I know firsthand how much it means to have those real, everyday family moments displayed right in your home. There’s something special about walking past a framed photos of your kids laughing or your whole family snuggled up—it’s a quiet daily reminder of what matters most. Plus, seeing themselves in photos actually boosts your children’s confidence and sense of belonging. Curious about the research behind that? Check out my blog post on how family photos benefit kids.
In our digital world, it’s easy to let thousands of photos sit on our phones, but physical prints bring them into your everyday life where you can truly enjoy them.
We all mean to print those favorites… but then life happens. Picking images, choosing sizes, and placing orders can feel like one more thing on an endless to-do list. That’s why I’m here to tell you: the holiday season is hands-down the easiest and smartest time to finally print and update your framed photos.
Why the Holidays Make Printing So Much Easier
Sales and discounts everywhere: From Black Friday through the end of the year, photo labs, online printers, and big retailers drop prices on prints, canvases, and frames. Those deals make it affordable to go beyond a few 4x6s and add larger pieces or even a full gallery wall refresh.- You’re already choosing photos: If you’re sending holiday cards (and let’s be honest, most of us are), you’ve just finished a family session or spent time curating your recent favorites. You’re already in the zone—why not add a few wall prints or canvases to that same order while you’re at it?
- Perfect gifts for loved ones: Grandparents, aunts, uncles—they light up when they receive updated photos of the kids. A framed print or ready-to-hang canvas is a heartfelt, personal gift that feels far more special than another coffee mug.
- A fresh start for the new year: Once the holiday decorations come down, your home can feel a little bare. Swapping in new family photos gives your space an instant lift and sets a warm, intentional tone for the year ahead.
For my family I have found that ordering during the holiday season and then placing them into the frames during our family down time between Christmas and New Years is a rhythm that works for us year after year. Find a time that works best for your family and remember that it is not about perfection, but about putting joy on display in your home.
Other Great Times to Refresh Your Framed Photos
Of course, you don’t have to wait for the holidays. Major milestones—like welcoming a new baby, graduations, or that amazing family vacation—are natural moments for new prints. Seasonal shifts (think spring blooms or fall light) can inspire updates too. If older prints are fading from sunlight or you’re redecorating, that’s another perfect cue. And honestly? Anytime the mood strikes, it works. Some families love rotating photos every few months. The beauty is choosing what fits your life—though the holidays bundle convenience, savings, and motivation all in one.
My Favorite Practical Photos Printing Tips
- Always start with high-resolution images. Most recent phone photos work great, but double-check the file size for larger prints.
- Choose archival-quality paper—it resists fading and keeps colors true for years to come.
- Mix sizes for interest. Pair smaller frames with one or two statement pieces to create a gallery wall that feels collected and inviting.
- Pick easy-to-open frames (front-loading or magnetic styles) so swapping photos later feels simple, not stressful.
Looking for a step by step guide to create a wall gallery that you will be able to enjoy for years? Check out the blog here.
There’s real joy in having your family’s story on display. Those framed moments strengthen connections and spark little smiles throughout the day. If it’s been a while since you’ve printed something new, let this holiday season be your nudge.
Ready for fresh photos for cards, gifts, or your own walls? I’d love to capture your family’s next chapter. A family session is more than just photos, it is intentional memory making moments and family connection. Interested in a family photo session? Check out my family session packages for more details.
Call/Text: 602-759-0083
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