Chances are, you can. It depends on what medium you are using--most of the "modern" ones (like Mod Podge, Royal Coat, etc.) would work with photos printed from the real photo process. However, you really should use a "scrap" photo--preferably from the same developer, to check this. You can just decoupage it to a piece of cardboard if you want. You want to be sure the colors don't run. If the prints were done with an ink-jet printer, they may run.
Most recommend using a copy for several reasons: one, the copy is generally thinner, and won't take as many coats of medium to blend in; and two, they don't want to see people damaging a potentially irreplaceable photo.
The biggest reason is the thickness of the photo and the huge number of coats of medium it would take to get to a level plane. However, if you use the pour-on two part medium (resin) found in craft stores, you can do 100 coats in one (equivalent). You can even imbed shells and other three dimensonal objects. If you are doing a plaque of wood though, you will have to pour it on and realize that you are going to lose a lot in a drip tray. If you use something that has a containment edge (like a tray), then your pour might be more economical. Hope this helps.
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