How to: Photo Wall Galleries | {Indianapolis Family Photographer}

There is no end to the inspiration on-line for photo wall galleries. There are so many great ideas out there it is easy to be overwhelmed. Let’s break it down to a few steps to get started!   

Decide your location:

The location will help you narrow down the sizes of photos/frames that you will need and also if you would like color to be incorporated into the display or if black and white would be a better choice. Don’t forget unexpected spaces like the end of hallways or the entryway. Small displays in these spaces really personalize your home.   

Find inspiration:

Browse through the images available on-line or in magazines, keeping in mind the setting for the wall gallery that you have chosen. Don’t pick a large design if your space won’t accommodate it or vice versa. Notice what you are drawn to. Do you like symmetrical displays, collages that mix frame colors and styles or maybe even photo ledges that you can easily change? Websites like potteybarn.com are especially helpful as they give ideas and templates for creating a special display.     

Try it out!

Cut templates of the framed size of all the photos you would like to display in your gallery out of brown Kraft paper or white drawing paper. You can arrange these free-hand or use the inspiration images that you find to help you. Tape the templates to your wall when you have a final design that you like. Ask others for suggestions or improvements. When you have a final design in mind you are ready to go! (Remember to find the centerpoint of your display when hanging so your art is hung at the right height – see link at the bottom of this page for a refresher).  Photo from Better Homes & Gardens. 

  

 

Framing options:

Take in to account the overall design of your home when picking out frames so the display feels like it was always a part of your décor. Modern designs often use brushed metal or black & white frames with simple clean lines. Rustic and warm wood frames help tie together homes with a more contemporary traditional feel.   Here are two examples from pottery barn (right) and crate and barrel (left).  

  

 

 

Choosing Photographs:

An easy way to ensure a cohesive display is to chose photos that have a common theme or connection to one another. There can and should be some variation in color and subject, but try to be sure the photos relate to each other in some way.  If the photos are somewhat disconnected, that can work too, but try to unify the arrangement with color or similar frames. Remember in design, rules are made to be broken! If you love it – do it!   

These two designs don’t seem to follow the traditional rules for color and display, but they are amazing!  Go with your gut and don’t be afraid to experiment! 

  

  

 
  
  Be sure to reference this article for advice on size, scale, proportion and height for hanging your art.    
 Displaying Family Photographs | How To Hang Your Art:   http://modernexposuresblog.com/?p=95