Photo collage pictures are a unique and engaging way to remember those treasured experiences. They create a meaningful piece of art for your home, and save you from having to just choose that one favorite pic! However, creating a great collage is often easier said than done. Busy photo layouts, a lack of picture cohesion, too many images in the collage etc… A design can go from beautiful to bewildering quickly.

So, we’ve pulled together our top tips to create an inspiring photo collage which you can easily follow: no design skills necessary!

Pictures that pull it together

Ultimately, the biggest difference between a collection of photos and an artful collage is visual cohesion. While this sounds like something only designers can manage, it’s really quite simple! Just choose photos with similar color schemes or themes to create a unified photo collage layout.

Luckily, whether you start your photo collage from scratch, or use one of our fun picture collage designs,  the Snapfish designers have come up with some easy to use image layout tools to make it easy for you to create the perfect collage product with your photos.

Select a background and perhaps an embellishment to help pull your collection of pictures together.

Applying the same filter to your photos is another simple trick to simplify and bring your pictures together in the photo collage. We have lots of different photo filters and image manipulation tools in the Snapfish builder! Choose your product and click “Create now” to enter the project space, then place all the photos you want to include into the collage picture template (you can select different layouts using the “Layouts” icon on the left hand menu, or simply click on the “Shuffle” icon on the right and click through the options. You can move the elements around to get the perfect layout for your photos – even deleting elements if they are not correct.

From there, click on a photo in your design to see options allowing you to edit, rotate, or delete your photo. 

Click the “Edit” button for filters, brightness, color correction, and more. Edit each photo in your collage layout to see how they all work together!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different filters, background and layouts to create the perfect photo collage. Before finalizing your collage picture design, select “Review & Buy” and “add to cart” on the Snapfish site, look to see how cohesive your creation feels. If you are happy with the collage look, select “Add to Cart”. Your photo collage order will be delivered straight to your door within a matter of days!

Black & white makes a bold statement

There are so many colorful moments and memories worth capturing in a collage picture. But for pictures with high contrast, shadows, or light areas, black and white is the way to go for a dramatic monochrome display that feels cohesive, purposeful and will complement any interior color scheme.

Black and white also works well for collages of landscapes, architectural cityscapes or other pics without people. A collection of countryside scenes or steel & concrete cityscapes on canvas prints adds attitude to your space. Edit your photos in the design studio to see if black and white is the solution to the collage essence you’re looking for, or you could go full Andy Warhol and select a mixture of color filters for your collage print.

Tell your story in pictures

Picture cohesion goes beyond the color palette. Deciding what message you want your collage to convey and selecting photos that tell a story when placed next to each other in the picture collage layout is key. It could be pictures from the same time such as a family vacation, wedding, or pictures of a favorite view taken throughout the year. Alternatively, your collage picture could express an emotion and make a statement — your love of family and friends, the importance of your values or the peace you experience (and crave) when you walk along those quiet cliff-sides with your dog.

Giving a collage photo gift should do the same thing. What do you want to express to your beloved recipient? A thank you card filled with shared memories reminds them of all the cherished times you’ve had together. When picking gifts for Birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, a collage on a mug or notebook can convey favorite family memories and reminders of those they care about as they go through their day.

Choose your collage product

With so many potential collage product options, a one-photo-fits-all approach isn’t going to help up your picture game these days. For next-level photo collages, select pictures that go well with your product of choice.

For stationery and greeting cards, a collage layout is the perfect way to add extra personality and detail specific to your intentions. Birthday wishes and congratulations become that much more meaningful with a photo collage layout designed with the card recipient and sentiment in mind! 

If you’re all about the gym or outdoor pursuits, a water bottle or travel mug with photos from your favorite outdoors images keeps you inspired for adventures to come. Or think about what memories you want to keep close wherever you go… and put them on a phone case or keychain.

For home bunnies, what could be cozier than snuggling into a  photo collage blanket? Available in plush or super plush berber fleece options, you can coordinate these collage picture blankets with matching collage photo pillows for your bed or couch to ensure you have sweet dreams of favorite memories when you cuddle up to these cute collage photo products.

Focus on the picture details and crop out the blank space

Ensuring there isn’t too much dead space in your layout is key to an engaging collage, especially when creating on a smaller object like a mug or phone case. There’s no need to squint! Choose photos where the subject takes center stage and fills up the frame. Remember you can enlarge the pictures in your collage layout with our editing tools.

Play it safe with text & embellishments

It doesn’t take much for a collage to start feeling crowded and busy. How you incorporate text and photo stickers is key to ensure your collage has a clean look. The rule of thumb when adding extras: there’s such a thing as too much! Keep your embellishments and text limited in amount and size, and stick with a single font and color so it doesn’t distract from your images. When it comes to design, keep it simple! With these tips, we’re sure you’ll be creating fun, engaging collages like a pro.

With these tips, we’re sure you’ll be creating fun, engaging collages like a pro. Be sure to share your collage picture creations with us with us on social media! You can tag us with @snapfishUS in your photos on Instagram or Facebook or use the hashtag #snapfish. Follow us on YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest, too. Check out the Snapfish site for even more new collage photo  products.