A random yet smart selection of layouts is provided when viewing a set of photos. A set of layouts may be chosen such that a reasonable sense of variety and uniqueness is provided when viewing the photos. For instance, photos may be randomly assigned to one of a plurality of groups, where each group may have its own layout type and its own number of photos. An iterative algorithm may be applied to determine which photos are assigned to which groups. In addition, smart cropping of photo thumbnails may be provided to fit frames provided in the various presented layouts. The amount and/or type of cropping provided may depend upon the aspect ratios of both the thumbnail and the frame in which the thumbnail is to be placed.