Frame it Right

Enjoy the summer with your family - quite literally - even if they can't be with you. The next best way to surround yourself with loved ones is by creatively displaying the old family photos.

I'm no photographer but as a child I spent many hours with my dad watching his work come to life in the darkroom. Formal portraits are boring so try to use informal candid shots. And think about lighting too - early morning and late afternoon is much better than the glare of the midday sun or indoor lighting that turns the pupils red.

Start by sorting through what you have (yes, you know - that overflowing pile of shoeboxes in the back closet !). A good photo does not necessarily mean that your subject was staring back at you through the camera lens. How about the pretty shell your child (or grandchild) found at the beach and all you got was a shot of that shell in a tiny palm? Perhaps the image of baby's first steps on the wet sand, or your favourite chair and beach umbrella after a long hot day would create a lasting memory.

Black and white photography is a classic and blends well with any décor to make a dramatic statement. If you have some favourites in bold living colour, they can be scanned and easily changed to B&W in PhotoShop - then reprinted.

Next, choose your frames. Black, white or silver frames work best for B&W prints. Wood tones are great for colour prints. Shiny gold tones are definitely out and will look dated. Ornate frames will detract from the image itself. All of your frames don't have to match exactly, but try to aim for the same colour or wood tone within a grouping.

White or cream matting will help the images stand out.

When grouping your prints on the wall - think outside the box and try something unconventional. Hang 5, 7 or even 9 small prints one above the other on a narrow piece of wall between two doorways. Group a few prints so close together that the frames are almost touching and from a distance it looks like one large photo.

Group your images by theme - the cottage, winter sports, indoor gatherings or vacation destinations.

Now sit back and enjoy. Old photos are also great conversation starters when you have visiting guests.