Births, graduations, weddings—at all of the most important events in our lives, we take photos to capture the memory. But photography doesn’t always serve as a reminder of a great personal turning point. Sometimes, it just helps us hold on to the way we were feeling at a particular time, whether we’re at a conference learning a new skill or at a launch party for an exciting product.
If a photo is a moment captured in time, custom-printed photo folders allow you to associate that moment (and all of the feelings it evokes) with a particular brand. When taking and distributing photos at a marketing event related to your business, an eye-catching, professionally designed paper frame offers the photo an extra sense of gravity—and unlike a brochure or leaflet that’s exactly the same no matter who receives it, a folder with the recipient’s photo inside is a much more personalized form of marketing.
The inside of a photo folder functions similarly to a frame, so when designing it, it’s vital to remember that the most important central element doesn’t actually exist yet—until you slip in a photo, of course. Apart from that, the most prominent design elements are typically placed on the holder’s front cover. Above all, you need to ensure that the overall design matches the rest of the company’s branding—including the event space where they will be handed out.
Having trouble coming up with a great design for a paper photo frame? Company Folders, Inc. has provided this diverse collection of designs from their online Product Gallery; take a look and let the inspiration begin!
Landscape
Landscape photo folders are made for horizontally-oriented images, which means you’re more likely to use them for group photographs or in situations where you want to capture something large in the background—even just a view of the area behind the subject.
Landscape 5×7 Paper Photo Folder
American Diabetes Association
The ADA’s photo holder uses a bright red cover to command attention. Images related to the organization are framed by hexagonal shapes to simulate the look of a molecular diagram.
PGA Southern California
This 5×7 frame from the Southern California chapter of the PGA features metallic gold foil stamping, giving it a touch of prestige and luxury.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine’s promotional photo holder features their foil stamped logo on the back cover, with the picture inside surrounded by a thin frame of matching copper foil.
Landscape 4×6 Paper Photo Folder
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The royal blue cover of this frame creates a look that’s both regal and professional. The organization’s name appears on the front as well as the frame inside, along with the date and location of the association conference.
Citgo
A gorgeous view of a baseball field – with the players paying respect to the U.S. flag – gives recipients of this 4×6 photo holder from Citgo a sense of patriotic pride. Citgo’s corporate logo is prominent in the upper right corner of the cover.
Toyota
With a jet black background, winged electric guitar graphic, and bold font, this presentation folder from Toyota gives the company a “rockin” edge.
Feinstein’s/54 Below (Studio 54)
This design for the hip New York nightclub features their logo on the front cover, stamped in metallic silver foil. The silver color stands out against the burgundy cardstock, creating a sophisticated and legendary look.
6×4 Landscape Digital Photo Folder
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A’s photo display folder is simple and straightforward, with the company’s logo front and center in their signature brand color.
6×4 Landscape Side Fold Digital Photo Folder
YMCA
YMCA Camp Wilson’s design is evocative of clear blue skies and fun in the sun. Inside, camp counselors can add information about activities and values that the recipient has participated in.
10×8 Landscape Paper Photo Folder
American Queen Steamboat Company
A handwritten font on the front cover gives this design from American Queen a personal and intimate feel, thanking recipients for their patronage.
See more landscape photo folders
Portrait
Like the term would suggest, portrait-style photos and the folders that hold them are typically best suited for close-up images of si
ngular subjects.
Portrait 5×7 Paper Photo Folder
Palms Casino Resort
A subtle, understated look accents this 5×7 folder promoting Palms Casino Resort, with the company’s logo appearing in metallic silver foil.
White House Communications Agency
This design from the White House Communications Agency uses an official-looking emblem to create a sense of authority.
Tiki Beach Grand Cayman
A beautiful beach scene decorates the cover of this holder from a restaurant in the Cayman Islands. The cool, breezy colors put recipients in a relaxed mood.
Portrait 4×6 Paper Photo Folder
Radio Disney
Brightly colored lights dazzle viewers from the cover of this festive 4×6 frame from the Radio Disney Music Awards.
Temple University
A bold, red logo commands attention from the front of Temple University’s design. Inside, the name and date of the event appear in thin, red type.
NFL
This folder employs an elegant and stylish take on the NFL logo, printed in metallic silver foil.
4×6 Portrait Digital Photo Folder
Big Brothers Big Sisters
The black-and-fuchsia color scheme used on this photo folder gives it a playful and modern look.
8×10 Portrait Paper Photo Folders
Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel’s bright red brand color makes up the bulk of this design, including the frame surrounding the photo inside.
See more portrait photo folders
Photo Folder Inspirations?
Do you have paper or cardboard photo folder designs of your own that you want others to see? Any tips or questions related to folder design? Share them in the comments below!