Choose transitions instead of every milestone
Pick 6–9 photos that change location, season, relationship or activity. Include visual variety: one wide scene, one close detail and a few people-centered moments. Remove duplicates even when each is individually good.
Use order to create meaning
Rows works naturally for chronological reading. Reorder thumbnails from earliest to latest, or begin with the defining moment and let supporting images explain it. Switching layouts keeps that order intact.
Normalize the visual rhythm
Different months often mean different lighting and camera orientations. Consistent spacing and corner radius provide structure without pretending the images were shot as one set. Adjust each cover crop so important faces remain visible.
Export a reusable master
Square is flexible for general sharing; Portrait suits a feed recap; Story works for a vertical year-end post. Use 2× HD if you want room for a later crop, and keep the original photos separately.
A good recap does not need to represent every month. It needs an honest selection that communicates the year quickly.