Photo mounting in simplest terms is the process of placing a photo onto something else for display. Photo mounting can be as creative as the imagination will allow and can be done professionally or at home. Photo mounting can be done before framing to create a professional appearance, but photo mounting is most expressively seen in scrapbooking.

Scrapbooking allows for photo mounting to be an endless expression of creativity and style. An entire page can be dedicated to a single photo or to many. There are many decorative, coordinating papers and card stocks that can be used for photo mounting in a scrapbook, and the remaining parts of the page can be embellished with any of countless objects, from stickers to ribbons to decorative brads. The options are nearly limitless.

It’s important for the preservation of photos to be sure to use the right materials for photo mounting. Acid-free paper and glue, tape, or whatever sticky substance is used to mount the photo to the paper are essential for photo preservation. Most craft stores sell all acid-free paper and adhesives for photo mounting and scrapbooking. You should never use plain scotch tape or masking tape to mount photos to any surface, as this will ruin the photo over time.

When mounting a photo or piece of artwork to a mat for framing, it is not necessary to use an adhesive, but it is easier. If you use an adhesive for photo mounting before framing, again be sure it is acid-free. For creative framing, some of the same techniques used in scrapbooking can be implemented. Layered photo mounting using more than one background or embellishing corners can create a unique piece of wall art suitable for framing.

Those who lack the desire or creativity to do their own photo mounting can take their photos to a professional who will prepare them for framing. Many people also find that they are limited in the sizes of paper and card stock at retail craft stores and need a professional with access to various sized mats for special occasion photos like wedding pictures or senior class pictures. If you wish to prepare photos larger than 8x10 for framing yourself, you may need to visit a professional artist supply store for the right materials. Similarly, if you have the desire to learn creative techniques in photo mounting and scrapbooking, many craft and scrapbook supply stores offer classes for beginners.