Chris,
Some of the pictures I would leave whole, but most I crop and round the corners with a "corner rounder", it just softens the look of the page.
With Creative Memories, you get a consultant (like me) giving you tips and helping you with your albums. You won't find that at a craft store. I would have never even started my daughter's album if my CM consultant hadn't helped me get started. I was scared to death that I would mess it up. She was a tremendous help to me. I feel in love with the products so much that I became a consultant, to support my scrappy habit, LOL
I have found that not all the products you find in craft stores are Archival safe or Acid and Lignin Free and can damage your photos in a few years, so be careful and read the labels. :-)
What ever products you decide to use, it will be a blessing to your family, because people love turning pages, seeing pictures, and reading about their family. :-D
LOL, Fozzy is such a ham, as soon as he sees the camera he sits. For my other dog, I hold a treat in my hand for him to see while I am holding the camera.