You love taking digital pictures. And you even love scrolling through your digital images. But you may not love the next step–doing something with all those photographs.
(You're not alone; 80% of users have tried more creative pursuits, hit a roadblock, and then stopped. ) So what's the key to staying on top of your digital pictures?
Take the print-as-you-go approach to get the most enjoyment from your photo collection.
Start with a clean slate today
Set aside time once a month to go through old photo files.
Many of us never organize our digital photo files the way we should, and we end up overwhelmed with thousands of digital images.
If the thought of sifting through all your digital files is overwhelming, simply store them away for safekeeping on a disk or hard drive. Then start fresh with your new images.
In addition to photos, the HP Photosmart Premium Web All-in-One allows you to print Web content such as movie tickets, coupons, and recipes directly from the HP TouchSmart screen —no PC needed2.
HP offers many photo printers and All-in-Ones from which you can print photos without a PC—just insert your memory card and print.
HP Photosmart printers, such as the HP Photosmart Premium Web All-in-One and the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One, offer photo-friendly features like large TouchSmart touchscreens and the ability to upload, download, and print pictures directly from the online photo sharing site, Snapfish1.
Create a space in your home that's especially for printing pictures.
If you're new to printing photos, it's easy to get started. All you need is a printer, ink, photo paper–and a space to print. If you have a wireless printer, then you can print anywhere–with or without a PC.
If you carve out a dedicated space in your home for printing photos you're more likely to print pictures right away rather than letting pictures pile up on your memory card.
HP Photo Value Packs are a great way to get all the ink and paper you need–designed to work together–in one convenient package.
If you plan to share more pictures, keep stamps and photo mailers on hand.
Set goals for what you want to do with your photos–whether it's to create a family photo wall, store your pictures in albums, or share more prints with friends in family.
Once you have a goal in mind, gather the supplies you need to make that goal a reality. Seeing a stack of pre-addressed photo mailers, for example, is a great reminder that you've set a goal to print and share more pictures with loved ones.
As you take pictures during the month, place the best ones (or the ones you'd like to print) into a separate folder.
At the end of the month, take a look at your pictures. You can print the "winners" to share with friends and family. (This is also a good time to evaluate your pictures–which ones are the best and why?)
You can even compile your favorites into a Best of the Year photo book to share as a holiday gift at the end of the year.
In-printer creative effects are ideal for creating a greeting for any occasion.
There is a reason to celebrate by sharing pictures every month of the year. And not just for birthdays, holidays, and other more mainstream events.
For Peanut Butter and Jelly Day? (April 2). You could send friends and family a photo card featuring a picture of the dog trying to get peanut butter off the roof of his mouth.
HP's compact photo printers have hundreds of in-printer Creative Effects–including clip art, frames, and printable card templates. (Even those like Cereal Day that you make up yourself.)
The family will love having their own art show–whether it's on a bulletin board or the refrigerator. You can even ask the kids to help pick the rotating monthly themes.
When you are done with that month's show, display the pictures in an
album or scrapbook from the HP Creative Studio. At the end of the year you'll have a whole book of your family's "exhibits."
Print your photos while the details are still fresh in your memory.
If you think you should be making photo scrapbooks or albums, but don't have the time just now, that's okay.
You can always create scrapbooks or albums later. Right now, just focus on printing your favorite pictures, jotting down the details,
and keeping your prints in a safe place. (Two years from now you won't remember which pictures really captured the moment best.)
Some HP Photosmart printers also allow you to build album pages fast–right in your printer.
Creating a new habit takes time. Just like exercising or eating better, you have to make your new print-as-you-go behavior a habit.
It helps to tell family and friends that you plan to send more pictures of the kids or your travels. You could even recruit other family members to reciprocate and you'll have your own "Family Photo of the Month" Club.
Printable version
