I print all my layouts at 8x8. Templates sure can be time savers in putting together a great looking layout. My personal trick with templates that contain smaller photos is to enlarge the entire templates contents before starting to put together the layout. Works great for me.
Let is Snow by Allison Pennington
Doodle It Alpha by Lauren Grier
Topography Set No.11 by Valorie Wibbons
Font: Heavy Hitter by Heather Hess