I am not one that has much experience in different types of wood.  I have mainly used Baltic Birch plywood.  I guess I am the type that if you are having success, why change.

 

Briefly, my favorite thing to do is:  I scan photos and glue them to wood,  I scroll the image, mainly of the person or people in the photo, including inside cuts, if any.  The photo dictates what the finished product would be.  If the background compliments the photo, I will include that on a separate piece of wood, usually on 1/4".  It creates a more 3D look.  Others photos may call for a layered effect, creating a popout look.  I can go into much more detail, but I think you can get the general idea.  So with this in mind, this is why I use a thick wood, so the project can pretty much be free standing.  There are times that I do have to add a stand.

 

So after all that said, here is my question to the group.  Dealing with a thickness of lets say 1/2", 5/8" or even 3/4", and the overall size no larger than 5" X 7", what type of wood is good to use?  I guess the reason I am asking this question after years of going along fine with the Baltic Birch, is that where I have been buying my Baltic Birch Plywood supply is finding it very difficult to get.  So, I need a back up plan.