Somewhere along the way, you will have taken some photos that are really, really good, and now deserve to be viewed by all who come and go into your home or office. So, what is the best way to do this? That is what we want to accomplish in this blog today. Take a look at this article provided by PictureCorrect and see what great things that you can do with your photos today:
Almost every photographer has had the urge to mount and display his or her photos as wall art, either at home or maybe in the office at work. At one time or another—we’ve nearly all done it—we took one of our ‘best shots’, had an enlargement made, and framed it. We brought it home or to the office and hung it on display. Then something depressing happened; the picture became unsatisfying, then boring, and finally, wall clutter. What went wrong?!
Perhaps a favorite shot beguiled us and we overlooked a basic fact: many good photo’s are better suited to a book or a magazine. They’re simply not appropriate for hanging upon a wall. Sometimes pictures with strong contrasts and vibrant colors can look very pleasing at first, then start to grate on us after a while if displayed as wall art.Almost every photographer has had the urge to mount and display his or her photos as wall art, either at home or maybe in the office at work. At one time or another—we’ve nearly all done it—we took one of our ‘best shots’, had an enlargement made, and framed it. We brought it home or to the office and hung it on display. Then something depressing happened; the picture became unsatisfying, then boring, and finally, wall clutter. What went wrong?!
Tuscan harvest” captured by PictureSocial member David Hobcote
So, now we are a little sadder but what we really want is to become somewhat wiser. We realize that what we need are photo’s that can be displayed as prints and stand the test of time, right? Definitely. Prints with lasting interest! So, how do we go about successfully shooting for that specific goal? Well, there isn’t any simple sure-fire method. But there are a few basic things to keep in mind which can definitely help in making and displaying wall art prints with lasting interest.
WHAT LASTS?
- They are usually landscapes which have a definite mood
- They are usually foreground or middle ground scenes, not panoramic vistas
- The colors in them are usually muted, or pastels
- They are often shots with mist and fog in them
- They are usually printed on a ‘luster’ (not glossy) print surface
If you want to display some of your photos as prints on an office wall, here’s the scoop on ‘commercial & business area’ photo decor that wears well:
- They are mostly close-ups of flowers, leaves, ferns, etc., with dew or rain drops on them…
- Or else, they are frequently natural abstract or pattern shots.
“Cold Blue Ice” captured by PictureSocial member Evar Guomundsson
FIND IT:
Rather than leaving things to chance, plan your lasting decor landscapes and close-ups. First of all, search out some local places that are unspoiled and natural, with few signs of human presence or activity. Check out your nearby parks, conservation areas, or wildlife refuges.
SCOPE IT:
Scout these prospective locations, looking for areas and things with appealing color, pools and ponds for reflections, running water for abstractions, etc. When you find something of interest move around it in a circle and note the various possible compositions. Be especially aware of those compositions that call for either a north- or south-facing camera position. (They’ll provide maximum side-light for modelling and texture, and polarizing for saturated color.) And while you’re at it, note whether the east and west sides of such subjects are open to admit either direct early morning or late afternoon sunlight for the warm, glowing light at these times.
A number of photo apps provide information as to when and where on the horizon the sun will rise or set in your area. Same for the full moon. Taking note of these things as well as what’s around you while scouting will help you foresee good photo opportunities well in advance.CHECK IT:
Check the local weather maps for what’s upcoming in your area. Do it frequently. Remember, bad weather is good photo weather, especially during the clearing-up hours after a storm; it’s great for injecting mood into your images! By the way, online weather sources will also give you precise local sunrise and sunset times.
Twilight on the Jetty”captured by PictureSocial member Beth
For close-ups with dew, just keep in mind that a hot sultry day that ends with a cool and clearing evening usually guarantees heavy dew conditions the next morning.
GO FOR IT:
TOOLS AND TIPS:
By all means take your tripod. Also a cable release, perhaps a polarizer, or a neutral density grad filter. Use either a low ISO setting or else slow speed transparency film. And, perhaps most important of all, take along a resolve to go back to your favorite spots again and again. And again! When you know a place like the back of your hand, and you’re frequently there, you’ll be surprised at the photo ‘breaks’ that come your way!
Your personal ‘seeing’ and camera skills will undoubtedly improve as you persist at shooting both frequently and regularly. You should have no difficulty acquiring a considerable number of shots well suited for wall art.
Your personal ‘seeing’ and camera skills will undoubtedly improve as you persist at shooting both frequently and regularly. You should have no difficulty acquiring a considerable number of shots well suited for wall art.
MOUNTING AND DISPLAY:
To assist you in these regards, why not turn to one of the many reliable guides available on the subject such as, for example:
- Kodak Publication no. 0-22, Cat. 104 8479, PHOTO DECOR – A Guide to the Enjoyment of Photographic Art.
- A Guide to the Enhancement & Presentation of Photographs, by Otha C. Spencer (Prentice-Hall, NJ 07632)
“Flamborough Dusk” captured by PictureSocial member Tony Taffinder
The presentation info in such publications, together with the above shooting guidelines, will put you well on your way toward appropriate, enduring, wall art with long-term appeal, instead of disappointing and depressing wall clutter.
About the Author: John Maxymuik authored this article for those photographers who want large prints of their work for display, either in a residential or business setting, but they want the results to have enduring appeal, instead of soon turning into disappointing wall clutter. To see examples of photography suitable for wall display go to his fine art photography website at ambienceimages dot net.
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Thanks to PictureCorrect for the great articles they allow me to share with my friends.
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