Last weekend our family attended a funeral service where we said our final goodbyes to my husband's grandmother and laid her to rest. As we entered the small chapel inside the funeral home, I spotted several picture frames filled with photos that depicted her life - from toddlerhood until age 85. Though there was a slideshow of images playing too, we were all gathered around these printed photographs, some as old as 1935. Some of the pictures, specially those from her childhood, had never been seen by the grandkids before. Everyone tried to identify the people in them and told the anecdotes behind each photograph. Granny's (as my children called her) vast collection of family photos told so many stories. Not just her own, but four generation's worth! As my children stood there pointing at the photos of themselves with their great-grandmother, I gained an even deeper appreciation for printed photos.

In the digital era we live in, it's now easier than ever to capture special moments. The camera rolls on our phones are filled with snapshots of our everyday life, but how often do we print them? While digital photos are convenient, they aren't forever. The average life expectancy of a digital file is only 10 years. Hard drives crash and servers fail, but printed photos can last over 100 years when cared for and stored properly. Above all that, printed photographs give us a physically tangible capture of our memories.

Remember the days when you and your parents would flip through family albums and they would tell you all about each photo. Or you'd sift through a box full of old pictures with handwritten inscriptions on the back. You'd hear stories of your childhood, how your parents met, or even learn about ancestors you never got to meet. I don't know about you, but I don't often go back to look at digital photos with my family the way we do albums or prints. When you can touch them in your hands, you are instantly transported to the time when those photos where taken. That is exactly why I encourage every client to print or better yet, to order a custom designed album from me, so they can revisit those memories over and over again and eventually pass them down to their kids.

My takeaway from all this is: Have your photos taken with your spouse, with your children, your parents, and all those you hold dear, to print and display. In the end, when we are gone, these reminders of us is what our loved ones are left with. Photographs are a recollection of our existence here on earth. They are a legacy to those we leave behind when we part. They tell our story and keep our memory alive. They become treasured heirlooms to those who loved us most.

We recently painted our downstairs. After the job was completed, we began to hang all the art and decor back up i the living room. That was when I noticed something was off. While our collection of quote signs and wall art looked great together, none of them told the story of us. Our walls needed more personalization and I knew that a lovely set of wall portraits was the way to go.

Family photos have the power to transform a house into a home. They create a sense of belonging and add a nice welcoming touch that is unique and customized to your style. Anyone can buy the same piece from the home decor store, but only you can have your family photos on display, and that is truly special.

When using family photos to personalize your home, you want to start with a large statement piece and then build around it to create that gallery wall effect. Whether you choose a framed print, a canvas, or another medium, I recommend going with at least a 16x20 art piece, anything smaller than that will look underwhelming in comparison to your furniture.

For my wall, I decided on a classic 24x36 canvas of my absolute favorite portrait of me and the kids, taken by my sweet husband. When selecting the photos that will adorn your walls, be sure they contain colors that compliment your existing home decor well. You want the images to look intentional and not like they were​ a careless after thought.

​I partnered with Canvas Press to help me create what I had in mind. Canvas Press is a proud USA made printing lab located right here in Houston, producing high quality products, with amazing customer service and the fastest turn around I've ever seen! They have so many beautiful options to choose from, including fine art prints, canvases, and modern metallic prints.

My canvas arrived in just two days and to be honest, it was so much better than I anticipated. The image was tack sharp and colors were spot on, without any strange color casts or tints. The canvas was tightly stretched over a real wooden frame, the corners seamlessly fitted without gaps or bulge, and the back came equipped with ready to hang sawtooth hardware. Needless to say, I was excited to get it up on the wall!

To complete my gallery, I then added four 5x7 prints matted and framed to 8x10. Matting your photos, gives them a timeless, archival look. It also allows you to place them in a larger frame, so you are able to fill more wall space without looking cluttered or overdone.

Before hanging my photos, I played with the layout a bit to find the one I liked most. Place your picture on the floor and try different configurations. You'll need to decide if you want an neat even look -- like me, or a more ecclecting arrangement that doesn't involve any measuring.

This corner in my living room truly came alive with this simple change. It's the first thing visitors mention when they come into my home now. They always ask where I got the canvas from and I simply could not recommend Canvas Press enough. You can currently take advantage of their fall sale to start personalizing your home with your own family photos. Use code AUTUMN60 for 60% off canvas prints up to 48x36. I'm ordering one huge canvas with my favorite photo from our fall family session, can't wait to show you all soon!

It's been quite sometime since I made an entry, not because there's nothing new to share but just because I've been enjoying summer with my wild bunch. I have been working on a personal project to document us. This is part one of a monthly series of short films featuring our family. I hope to keep this project going each month for the rest of the year as a keepsake of the everyday moments that make life with my brood so sweet.

​I filmed this on my Canon 6DMKii with a 35mm lens, just before putting baby Declan down for his nap. I know that one day not far from now, I will be putting him down for his nap for the last time. One day, he will outgrow my lap. One day, that little hand will reach out for someone else who will have his heart. And because motherhood is full of one days and last times, I've turned to video to capture these precious and fleeting moments. While photography will forever have my heart, there's something so special and meaningful about capturing life in motion.

​Want your own life captured on video too? You can read my tips to help you get started or book a short lifestyle film with me, now available to add to any portrait session.