How many photos are you looking to frame? If the answer is more than one, you can try to group the photos into common themes—family, vacation, specific celebration, etc. Some great looking frames are two or three panels separated by hinges that allow the frame to stand freely. Others have multiple openings, often called collage frames. There are even frames specifically for families with photos of three or four generations to display.

What size photos are you looking to frame? When you shop online, most of the standard photo sizes can be accommodated: 2 x 3, 4 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, etc. Usually, these come in either portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) format. The format question is particularly important for some theme picture frames because they may be designed for only one of the formats.

Is this to be a gift? If so, you can tailor your picture frame gift to almost any occasion: new baby, wedding, anniversary, little league or school sports team, or family. Sometimes, the name of the occasion is written right on the frame. The Three Generations and Four Generations frames mentioned above actually have those words embossed or printed right on the frame. This makes a huge difference, because everyone who sees it is immediately awestruck by the event. When you order online, you can usually have the frame gift-wrapped for the occasion. Talk about convenience! For example, if you have been invited to a wedding, a wedding picture frame sent gift wrapped with a greeting to the bride will really be appreciated. The ordering process takes between 5 and 10 minutes at the most.

If the photo frames are for your own display, where are you looking to put the photos? Do you have a family photo wall? Are these going onto a shelf or mantle? If so, questions such as lighting, background color, and layout should all be taken into account. And what is the overall feel of the room for the display? For example, a modern-style Bauhaus type frame would clash with a Victorian décor. A more ornate frame won't fit with a room with modern Scandinavian furniture. As for the color of the background wall, this will have an impact on which material the ideal frame is made from. Black lacquer frames look great in some areas, warmer rich wood tones look better in other areas.

Department stores often have a wide selection of standard frames, in all sizes and materials. However, you can usually find exactly what you are looking for on the internet because the selection is much broader.

And after this planning, you might decide that you would like a unique photo album so that you can clean out those snapshots you have been keeping just in case. The point here is to select a truly outstanding photo album that people will naturally admire and be curious about. Surprisingly, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to own a great photo album. For example, you can find a photo album whose cover is entirely made of tropical leaves and bark, with acid-free inner pages, for under $35!

Yes, it is possible to find the perfect frame or album that will call out to you every time you or your guests glance in that direction. And you can fit this into your budget with the help of a specialized online picture frame store.