What Can I Do With My Digital Photos?
Originally published March 2021. Updated September 2025 with new recommendations.
Every pet photography package I offer includes digital files with the option to purchase additional images after you’ve had a chance to look through your proofing gallery. Each file comes with personal printing rights allowing you to create endless prints and products for yourself. I really encourage you to get your images off the screen and into your home.
So what are your options when you don’t want to leave them languishing on your hard drive forever, but also might not want your home covered with a million framed 4x6s of your pet? (Although if you do, believe me, I get it! 😁) In this post I’ll share how you can bring every single digital file to life and get continued joy from your images long after your shoot is over.
Five ideas for printing digital photos:
1. Wall Art - The Statement Piece
Let’s start with a classic: the one big photo. Nothing makes an impact quite like a single image filling a wall with color, texture and emotion. A good rule of thumb is that your art should cover 50%-75% of the available wall space, whether that’s a blank space above your couch or dresser.
Most people underestimate the size they need (trust me, an 11x14 will like tiny above a sofa). My best advice is to always go bigger. Photos that feature sweeping landscapes or wide-open spaces especially shine at a larger scale, turning your wall into a window with a view.
2. Wall Art - Framed Canvas
If you love the clean, modern feel of a canvas but still want that polished, finished look of a frame, a framed canvas is the perfect choice. The canvas print itself adds depth and texture, while the frame gives it structure and makes it feel intentional—like true gallery art.
I especially love framed canvases for portraits because the frame subtly draws your eye inward, keeping the focus on your pup’s expression (and that gorgeous mountain backdrop). They also work beautifully if you’re planning a gallery wall and want a mixture of sizes and styles that still feel cohesive.
3. Photo Album - A story you can hold
If you’ve chosen to upgrade your package to include all of the digital images in your gallery, a photo album is the perfect way to bring them together. Instead of letting those photos live on a hard drive, you’ll have a beautifully bound story you can flip through anytime.
The best part? All-Inclusive Sessions already include a custom-designed photo album, so you’ll automatically walk away with a keepsake that highlights your entire session.
When shopping for additional albums, look for layflat pages (so your images flow seamlessly across a spread) and lustre photo paper (for that soft, professional finish that resists fingerprints). The result feels less like a stack of pictures and more like a book you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
5. Calendar
A calendar is such a fun way to enjoy your photos all year long. You’ll see those sweet faces every time you flip to a new month.
Personally, I love the variety of photo calendars available from Artifact Uprising. They have a clean, timeless design that looks good in any space. And the best part is you can refresh them with images year after year.
They’re also perfect gifts for dog-loving friends or family!
5. Cards
A single beautiful photo can go a long way. Use a favorite image from your session as a holiday card, thank you card, engagement announcement, or save-the-date… the possibilities are endless.
Cards are such a fun way to share your images with friends and family, and they turn a simple message into something meaningful. Whether it’s announcing big news or just sending a little joy in the mail, your pup’s face (or your whole entire crew) will definitely make someone smile.