Studio Photography Insights

Senior photos, family portraits, pet pictures… whatever your photo studio focuses on, you need high-quality photo packaging to present those prints.

And acid-free photo mounts fit the bill.

Like the vintage portrait folders of times gone by, studio photo mounts are a highly practical portrait package add-on because:

They protect the prints. Package one, or hand out a few folders at different sizes.
They last. Crafted out of acid-free, archival-quality material, these mounts will still be protecting those portraits many, many years from now. They last long enough to become a family heirloom!
Gives you a solid branding opportunity. Add your studio logo to the portrait mount. We recommend either the front cover bottom or back cover. Keep it subtle—but noticeable.

Inserting a flower picture into a white studio portrait folder — The print easily slides under the window frame border, and the cover closes to protect the print inside. Acid-free material means long-lasting print protection. See more portrait holder options.

But here’s the big question: how to sell photo mounts to your studio portrait clients.

How to convince clients they need photo mounts: 3 easy options

We talk to many portrait studio photographers, and it seems everyone does things a bit differently when offering package add-ons like portrait folders. Here are a few ideas.

1. Build the portrait folders into the package.

This is the most common method. It’s also the easiest because consumers are accustomed the “upgrade” feature.

Think about it: we see this with streaming services, app subscriptions, and even portrait studio equipment bundles.

If the big dogs can do it, so can you. Maybe you add a few portrait holders to your mid-tier package. Or perhaps part of the premier bundle. Wherever you place them in your portrait package structure, your clients will inherently see them as a premium upgrade.

2. Offer as a small upsell.

Not as popular, but if you’re suave with the sales pitch, it’s a cakewalk. Here are some tips:

Sell them just one or two to protect just a few of the prints. Perfect for if they want to keep some in storage for safe-keeping.

It makes a more unique gift for loved ones. Yes, you can display studio photos with photo mounts! And if they need or want to package it away for a while, the acid-free material means that print will be perfectly protected.

3. Include one as a gift.

When the prints are ready for your clients to pick up, present them with one of their prints mounted in a portrait folder. Mention that it’s a gift, and it’s designed to protect the print for display or storage.

If you do this, be sure to include your studio logo on the folder so they remember who you are… and they can easily recommend you to friends and family.

Include your portrait studio logo on the back of the photo mount folders for long-lasting branding.

Not just for the studio: photo folders are the perfect wedding favor

Complement your photography with a print holder that matches the luxury of the wedding. The textured feel, the deckled edges… it’s much more upscale than a plain photo folder. Trust us, these portrait holders are popular with brides, and they’ll often willingly spend a bit more on these than the more economical event folders.

Whether you include these as part of a package or upsell them separately as a wedding favor, you’re doing the bride and groom a favor: you’re taking care of the photos AND the wedding favors.

Textured white photo mount folder on bed of flowers. Front cover is stamped with bride and groom's name in gold foil. — White studio portrait folder with elegant foil stamped imprint. A simple—but luxurious—wedding favor. Shown: Horizontal Contemporary White Portrait Folder with optional gold foil stamped personalization.

Are you a studio photographer? Check out our wholesale photo mounts.

With savings of up to 60% for professional photographers, we can help you build your portrait packaging collection without breaking the bank.

All of our portrait folders are crafted in the USA out of recycled paper. Browse our entire collection or sign up for a wholesale account.

Why we love vintage portrait folders & paper frames

Long story short, we see the value in them—because of how people react to vintage paper frames. Even if it’s something that was created 100 years before they were born, that nostalgic feeling is evoked with a simple whiff of the paper.

When the digital photo era really took hold, we held on tight to the traditional portrait folders (and kept selling them) because, although more people were opting for digital images, digital images are quickly forgotten. GIFs just don’t have the same staying power as printed pictures (ask grandma). 👇

We love printed pictures! Follow us on Instagram for more quips and inspiration about the beauty of printed photos & portrait folders.

While our portrait folders and paper frames are styled a little differently than those of the late 19th century and early 20th century, the idea remains the same: frame your studio portraits in something that’s not only beautiful to display, but will protect your prints for years to come.

Our photo packaging solutions are quality-crafted in the USA—they always have been. They are made out of sturdy 20pt recycled paper stock that is acid-free and archival-quality. The materials might be different from the old, vintage paper picture holders, but the feel and nostalgia are the same.

How vintage-style paper photo holders are used

Although cardboard portrait folders and paper frames are used for more event photography these days, they are still highly sought-after by studio photographers. They are especially popular with photographers and studios using traditional photographic techniques, like tintype photography (shown below).

Modern portrait folder has the same look and feel of vintage paper photo frames — Studio portrait folder with custom stamped border decorations. This one is used to frame tintype photos. Image taken by forgottenfilm.us.

Where to buy vintage portrait folders & picture frames

If you want authentic vintage portrait holders, you’ll want to check out Etsy and ebay.

If you just want that authentic feeling, but are ok with a modern interpretation, we’re here for you. We have classic black and white portrait folders and textured paper frames that evoke that nostalgic feeling and protect your prints with acid-free, archival-quality paper. Best part: they come at a bargain price.

Some more bonus points for our vintage-style portrait folders & frames:

Acid-free & archival quality. While our folders are typically used for events, they are perfect for storing photos.
No glue or tape required. Better for long-term storage (less acid from tape means less change in photo color and clarity)
Unique storage solution. Rigid folders keep your treasured photos from creasing
Have a photography studio? Make them custom. We specialize in adding studio logos to our portrait folders using a traditional hot foil stamping technique. Just like photographers used to add their name to folders, you can, too.

Take a look at our portrait folders or paper frames. Not sure what portrait frame will work for your photographs? We’re here to help. Send us your thoughts, or give us a call: (800) 346-3063.

Vintage-style portrait folders for studio photography and event photos. — Sturdy paper portrait folders with a unique textured finish. Designed + made in the USA by Studio Style

The image at the top of this post features vintage paper frames and photo cards as curated by the Beinecke Library of Yale University. See their collection of images on Flickr.

Category: Studio Photography

How to add Photo Mounts to your Portrait Studio Packages