Grover-
the photo splits are the little "squares" that are adhesive on both sides. You peel one off the roll it comes on, place it on the back of your photo or paper or whatever you are adhereing, then remove the backing (it's like the paper backing a sticker comes on) and stick it down. I like it b/c I can put it on the backs of all my photos, lay them out, and once I've decided on where I want them, then I just peel off that little tab and stick them down! The tape runner is faster, but I do like both a lot.
happy scrappin,
Candi