Whether you’re creating a wedding album, a baby’s first year album, or a family keepsake, choosing a photo album can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, I’ve put together some top tips to help you pick the perfect size, paper, and style to showcase your memories beautifully.
What size photo album should I choose?
When it comes to choosing a photo album, size matters. I mainly offer square fine art albums because they give incredible flexibility for design. When the pages open flat, I can easily combine horizontal and vertical photos without limitations.
For portrait sessions, I usually recommend a 10×10-inch album. It’s comfortable for both adults and children to hold, making it ideal for family browsing. For smaller sessions, such as children’s portraits or newborn shoots, an 8×8-inch album feels intimate and personal—perfect for a few standout images per page.
For wedding albums, I love the 12×12-inch size. The larger format beautifully showcases couple portraits—especially in scenic locations like lakes or mountains. It also gives enough room to tell your wedding story with a sequence of images on each page, without losing detail.
Ultimately, the best album size depends on how you plan to enjoy it. A smaller album creates an intimate experience—ideal for curling up in a chair and reliving the moment. A larger album, on the other hand, is perfect for sharing stories with family and friends gathered around.
What paper should I choose for my photo album?
Paper choice can completely transform your album’s look and feel. I offer two main paper types to keep things simple yet elegant.
The first is a semi-glossy traditional photo paper. It delivers bright, punchy colours and beautiful contrast, ideal for vibrant images. Its moderate thickness makes it easy to turn the pages, offering a classic photo album experience.
The second is smooth matte art paper, which I use in my fine art albums. This paper feels luxurious and timeless. The colours are rich and deep, and black-and-white photos look particularly striking. The matte finish gives the images an artistic quality that feels more like a memory than a print.
All my albums are lay-flat, meaning the crease between pages is almost invisible. They’re archival, professionally crafted, and designed to last a lifetime.
Should I choose a designed album or make my own?
When choosing a photo album, another key decision is whether to have it professionally designed or create it yourself. Both options take time, but each has its charm.
A professionally designed album allows you to benefit from my experience in storytelling through images. I’ll curate and arrange the photos to capture the emotion and flow of your day. You’ll still have the final say in the design, but I take care of the technical and creative layout.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you might enjoy making your own album. I offer fine art prints up to A3 size, as well as custom print sets to fit your vision. There’s something deeply personal about arranging photos, adding names and dates, and crafting your own family story by hand.
A fully bespoke handmade album
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with handmade photo books for our home and travel memories. These books allow me to be creative with design features like gatefolds for panoramic shots or fold-out pages for unique layouts. Although I’m currently creating them for personal use, I may offer fully bespoke handmade albums in the future.
Final thoughts on choosing a photo album
Choosing a photo album is about more than just format or paper—it’s about how you want to relive your memories. Whether you opt for a professionally designed album or a handmade creation, take your time to pick something that reflects your story and style. The right album will turn your photographs into a timeless treasure you’ll cherish for years.
