The latest sketch from Scrapbook Challenges invited me to try something that I only experiment with every now and again: a larger size photo. I print at home,but often, I find myself relying upon the ease of printing and using 4×6 pictures. While there is nothing wrong with the 4×6 size, varying the standard size print can make your layout design a bit more interesting. Your standard go to design will look just a tad bit different or you may find yourself changing how you layer and title your page just a bit. There is an added bonus to trying a different size photo print. It’s not messy and it’s not too far from the usual way in which you choose to work. The page will still exude your personal style and you will expend very little effort while playing with page design.

Collecting Leaves by Christy Strickler |Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants; Letters: Doodlebug; Stickers: Mambi, Basic Grey; Transparency, Wood Veneer, Rubber Banner: Freckled Fawn; Ink: Tsukineko; Other: Sequin Trim; Based on Scrapbook Challenges Sketch #431

Scrapbook Challenges Sketch #431 calls for an 8×10 photo as the main focal point with a smaller supporting photo. When it comes to choosing a larger size print, I consider a few factors. First, the quality of the photo. Will it look good if I print it at a larger size? Some of my photos, especially, older ones, were taken when my photography skills were lacking or with a cheap digital camera. Both can make for grainy prints. Often, I can compensate for these issues with a little help from Photoshop, Totally Rad Labs, and by choosing smaller size prints. A larger print must be a good photo from the start, preferably with a good subject  and well composed. Second, I consider whether or not there are additional photos to support the story. Sometimes, I have just one good photo. Other times, I may have several supporting pictures. If there are supporting photos, what size should I print them? How can I arrange them with the main photo to fit on the layout while maintaining an appealing design?

Initially, I had intended to work with an 8×10 shot. However, I was really drawn to these photos of my son collecting leaves. I needed to find a way to fit three photos on one layout, one of which would be larger than the other two. I decided to work with one 5×7 and two 3×4 prints. I chose what I felt was the best composed of the three photos to be the largest print.  I used Photoshop Elements to add the two smaller photos onto one 4×6 print. I could now rely on Sketch #431 to guide my photo and product placement choices.

Once I chose my papers, I placed the large photo and began building the page around it. I placed the 4×6 print with the two smaller photos in such a way that it slightly overlapped an empty spot in the focal photo. When using larger prints, look for places with white space or any spots in the photo which you might want to cover. Those are key places for putting embellishments or layering on smaller support photos.

The title ended up being larger than I expected. This meant I needed to relocate the journaling. I moved it over to the left of the support photos. I do love the page, but I feel like the balance is a bit off. In retrospect, I maybe should have moved the journaling up and moved the Flower cluster from the left side down, essentially having both spots change places.  Overall though, I am very happy with this layout and glad that I chose to work with a larger print.

Using larger prints isn’t second nature to me. At this point in time, I need a sketch or challenge prompt to help me move out of my 4×6 photo comfort zone. Moving away from using mainly 4×6 and 3×4 prints can happen, especially if I find a way to practice. Do you use different print sizes? Or do you find yourself using the same size photos time and time again? If you would like a little practice using larger size photos, I invite you to try using Scrapbook Challenges Sketch # 431. Don’t forget to share your project on the Scrapbook Challenges link up!

Supply Options

This posts contains affiliate links when possible. Please shop your stash first, but should you find you need something, consider supporting MSE.

 Leaves,Rubber Banner, and Wood Veneer Buttons originally from a Freckled Fawn Oh Dear Me Kit.

 Additional Resources

The MSE Big Photos Pinterest Board featuring layouts with large sized photos

An Article from the Get It Scrapped Blog

 A look back at some of my layouts using large photos.

Related articles

• Ideas for Editing Your Poor-Quality Photos with Apps, Actions and Techniques (debbiehodge.com)
• Try this: Scrapbooking Ideas for Overprint Techniques (debbiehodge.com)
• 3 Steps for Photo-Inspired Storytelling and Photo Sharing (debbiehodge.com)