Find out how you can easily create and send cards, personalized with your own photos and text, and make instant connections. We’ll explain the different types of photo greeting cards you can create, and provide advice on how to pair your card with the right picture every time.
Most photo greeting cards fall into the following three categories:
Photo upload:
Add your own digital photos to greeting card templates using an online tool such as custom photo projects at the HP Activity Center. Each unique card allows you to upload photos and customize color schemes, borders, and text. Then, just print the card and you’re done!
Online photo service:
Services such as
Snapfish
make it easy to turn your digital photos into greeting cards and announcements. You can order photo cards in bulk if you like—a great option if you’re planning to send a big batch of the same card, such as a baby announcement or holiday greeting.
Photo frame greeting cards:
You can purchase blank greeting cards that have a photo frame on the front. Simply slide a 4" x 6" photo inside the card’s frame and write your message inside. These types of cards are available at most paper stores. Or, you can use the printable photo frame cards at the HP Activity Center.
Tips for stunning photos
With the right pictures, your greeting cards will make lasting impressions. Use these tips to help you take and select great photos.
Select photos with a dominant subject (a person, house, etc.) and without busy backgrounds.
Be sure the main subject of your photo is in focus and fills the frame. Use photo-editing tools to crop your images for better composition.
Portray emotion with candid shots that capture a moment rather than posed pictures.
Experiment with black-and-white photography. It can add beauty, drama, and a sense of timelessness to your photo card.
It’s important to pick a picture that’s meaningful to you and the recipient and one that coordinates with the rest of the card. Here are some pointers:
Birthdays
Birthdays are all about celebrating life, so choose a photo with bright colors or one that exudes excitement. Get creative by taking a picture of a beautiful cake lit up with candles, or photograph yourself holding a homemade “Happy Birthday” sign. You could also use a photo of a favorite memory of you and the birthday boy or girl.
New baby announcements
When the new baby arrives, everyone you know will want pictures. Shots of your newborn sleeping peacefully are wonderful, but you could also use a playful picture of baby wearing a cute hat or snuggling with a teddy bear. Including the whole family in the photo is another way to make a heartfelt statement about your new addition. Get advice on
taking better baby photos
at HP Digital Photography.
Friendship or just because
If you share a private joke with someone, include a photo that conjures up that memory and you’re sure to get them laughing. Or, take a picture of something you saw that reminds you of them. Inside the card, explain why the image brought them to mind.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
There’s nothing parents love more than pictures of their children. If you have siblings, gather them for a group shot. Or, find an older picture and try to replicate the poses for a “then and now” photo experience. Bringing together past and present can be very poignant. Consider using a hobby-related image. If Mom loves gardening, you could use a vibrant photo of your rosebushes.
Weddings and anniversaries
Bring back memories of the happy couple by using an old photo from when they first met. Or, you could use a picture of a special place they traveled together. Any photo that communicates the notion of love is appropriate, from a bouquet of flowers to a close-up of people holding hands.
Holiday
Typical holiday photo cards include posed pictures of the kids or the entire family. Instead, why not send a picture of the family on their annual tree-hunting expedition? Or photograph a wintry nature scene, which makes a peaceful seasons greetings. Holidays are also a good time for humor. Dress everyone up in silly outfits—even the dog—and take a goofy family portrait.
Create a photo greeting card today
Ready to create a one-of-a-kind photo greeting card? Visit the Cards section of the HP Activity Center and try one of these free projects.
Printable version