Printed photographs are one of the best ways to bring your memories to life — from special occasions and celebrations to magical everyday moments as your little ones grow. It’s easy to forget about all those experiences when the images are confined to your phone, so why not let printed pictures brighten your day?

If you want to give your modern photos a rustic twist or revive old images from days gone by, retro prints offer elegance and a timeless charm. Classic — yet on-trend — vintage-style prints are perfect for placing in photo albums, displaying around your home, and sharing with loved ones. Read on for inspiration on making the most out of your retro photo prints.

What makes a photo print ‘retro’?

So, what is it that transforms a simple snapshot into a captivating 'retro' photograph?

In these prints, modern technology meets nostalgic design elements. The square shape is a nod to the iconic instant cameras that were once the heart of family gatherings and spontaneous adventures. What better way to print your Instagram and social media pictures? They’re the perfect shape and size!

Most retro prints also feature a white border, framing the image to create visual interest — and again evoke a sense of nostalgia. They also offer the perfect space to hand-write a date or caption to help you remember all the details of the moment.

You’ll usually have the option to choose a gloss or matte finish, too. A textured matte effect (also known as lustre) is reminiscent of photos from the 1960s and 70s while high gloss was especially popular in the 1990s.

Perhaps the most beneficial part of a retro print is that you can also benefit from gorgeous colour depth, thanks to today’s advancements. They offer the best of both worlds!

Displaying your retro photo prints

Retro prints are wonderfully versatile. Their chic, white borders make them a great addition to home decor, no matter your colour scheme. Need some inspiration on how to display them?

Here are a few ideas:

A classic album

Retro prints are ideal for a classic photo album. Did you ever flick through your parents’ or grandparents’ photo albums? Chances are, there were a few retro-style prints there — though, of course, they would have been the height of fashion then!

Create a satisfying, tactile experience by sticking your retro prints into a bound album. Perhaps your children will enjoy perusing through them, too.

A scrapbook

These photo prints also bring a delightful edge to scrapbooks. You can add stickers, pieces of fabric, ticket stubs, and more to highlight the vintage aspect of your images.

Photo garlands

Retro print borders provide a handy little space for hanging your pictures up. For a cute display, you can use mini pegs to clip your photos in a row along some twine or string. To add an extra special element, you can also clip them to fairy lights.

This can make a lovely gallery for bedrooms, living rooms, and even along a desk or a staircase wall. It’s a dynamic and interactive way to display your memories, bringing a touch of whimsical charm to your space.

Pinboards

Another simple yet effective way to showcase your retro photos is to add them to a pinboard. Go all-out with the vintage aesthetic with a corkboard or embrace a more contemporary look with a magnetic board. Either option can complement your retro prints beautifully.

Why retro prints make a great gift

We live in a world dominated by the digital. And while this can be wonderful, sometimes it’s nice to step away from the screens. Printed photos allow us to do this, to slow down and remember a special moment — whether it’s a significant occasion or an everyday adventure.

With retro photo prints, you can take this a step further. They offer a unique sense of warmth and nostalgia — making them excellent gifts for loved ones.

If you have some scanned photos from decades ago, why not revive them as retro prints? That way, they’ll retain the character and style from when they were first taken. Reprints of photos from your childhood or your parents’ earlier years can be a thoughtful present any time of year.

Alternatively, you can transform photos from the past few months into gorgeous retro gifts. Send a friend a vintage-style snapshot of a day you spent together or sneak a cute retro selfie into your partner’s bag when they head off for work.

Retro prints are petite enough to tuck inside a birthday card, too — a great way to add an extra personalised touch to your birthday wishes or celebratory greetings.

Bring memories to life with retro photo prints

No matter the occasion, retro prints are a brilliant way to showcase your memories. And with sites like myFUJIFILM, it’s quick and easy to print high-quality photos with a vintage aesthetic. Upload and print your retro photos with myFUJIFILM in a few easy clicks.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.