Our Mosaic Moments cutting mat and a craft knife is actually faster & friendlier, for cutting photos into one inch squares, then using a square punch.
In my step by step instructions, (book page 14) step one is to apply Herma Dotto removable adhesive - I recommend four lines of the adhesive because you want to get a little glue on every inch of your photo. The adhesive will keep your photo in place on your mat and allow you to (step two) quickly cut the photo.
Faster: Instead of thinking of cutting each individual square - think about cutting strips.
After applying adhesive, place your photo on the Mosaic Moments self healing mat (lining it up with the grid lines.) Cut one inch strips in one direction, turn your mat, and cut one inch strips in the other. Using this method cutting is quick and easy.
Friendlier: When you finish cutting, your photo will be sectioned into one inch squares that are temporarily stuck to the mat - each piece remains in its proper order - ready to be transferred to the grid paper.
Before cutting, you are able to see where cuts will be made and make adjustments to avoid cutting through faces. (See our Mosaic Moments Quick Glance Grid Guide - page 93)
After cutting the photos, I slide a Lil chizler between my photo and the mat to lift pieces and then (step three) mount them on the paper. (The adhesive is all ready on the back of the photo - just check to make sure you have enough coverage on each piece and stick it down.)