So you made the decision to book the photo shoot. You showed up, had a blast, and now you’ve received your beautiful gallery. You picked your favorites, maybe even changed your Facebook profile picture and posted on Instagram with the cutest caption. But now what?
The initial awe starts to fade, and those photos begin to live quietly in your phone or email inbox. But let’s change that. How do you keep those memories alive? How do you continue to share that investment, not just with others, but with yourself too?
Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I’m going to break down some of the best ways I’ve seen clients keep their photoshoot alive in their homes and hearts.
Whether it’s a couples shoot, a family session, or an engagement shoot, they all matter. These are moments we don’t just want to glance at once and forget. One of my go-to suggestions is creating gallery walls. They’re one of the most affordable ways to showcase your gorgeous photos to anyone who visits your home.
I have one right by my front entrance above my shoe bench. Every time I walk in the door, I’m reminded of who my home is, not just where it is. I truly believe home is the people that make it. So when you put your people on display, the ones who make your life whole, it tells a story to anyone who steps inside. You don’t need fancy frames either. I found these cute black floating frames and used Command Velcro strips, which are a lifesaver for renters. You can line them up however you want, mix and match sizes, or go bold with a few large canvas prints above a bed or sofa. It’s such a conversation piece and adds so much warmth to your space.
If you're more of a minimalist and not too keen on hanging things on the wall, coffee table books are another beautiful option. A simple hardcover or magazine-style book that people can flip through is always a win. And let’s be honest. We've all experienced that moment when we’re visiting someone, they pop out of the room for a bit, and we’re left sitting in silence. That little book on the coffee table becomes an invitation. People get curious. They start flipping through and before you know it, they're immersed in your memories.
When I was younger, we had so many photo albums on the shelf. Most things are digital now, so we’ve kind of lost that tradition. But there’s something so nostalgic about flipping through a physical album. Let’s bring that back. There are amazing platforms with yearly subscriptions where you upload your favorite photos and they send you a printed book from the year. It's perfect for gifting too. Grandparents, long-distance family, friends. I personally plan to send a yearly book back home when I move to Arizona. That love story is for another blog post. But this is such a thoughtful way to keep people connected to your life, especially when time feels like it’s slipping away.
And last but definitely not least are custom photo gifts. There are so many cute ways to turn your photos into little keepsakes. One of my favorites is car charms, the kind that hang from your rearview mirror. They're not just adorable. They carry meaning. After losing a dear friend in my early twenties, I was gifted a photo air freshener of him. Every time I got in the car, I felt like he was still there with me, watching over me. That little item gave me comfort in ways I never expected.
From mugs to keychains, calendars to magnets, there are endless ways to carry your memories with you. I’ve even listed a few of my Amazon favorites at the bottom of this post to get you started.
Photographers often talk about shoots being an “investment” and that’s exactly what they are. You’re investing in a moment frozen in time, something you can look back on forever. These are just a few ways you can relive those moments daily. And honestly, how many things do we spend money on that continue to bring us joy again and again?
In a world that moves fast and fills with stuff, sometimes the best investment is the one that reminds you what really matters. And that’s why choosing the right photographer is so important. But we’ll save that for next time.
