Tips & Tricks
Must-Have Tips for Awesome Canvas Prints
Photography Talk
If you ask me, there's not a better way to display photos than on canvas.
I just love the look of it, with a subtle texture of the canvas substrate that gives the photo a hint of depth.
I also like the fact that with a canvas print, the image isn't just a flat thing on the wall - even if you choose a relatively thin frame, it's got some heft to it that makes it look great on the wall.
Of course, there's many more factors that go into getting an awesome canvas print.
If you want your images to look their best, consider these tips.
Choose Your Printer Carefully
Photo printers are a dime a dozen these days, which is why you need to do your due diligence when selecting a company to print your images on canvas.
Though many printmakers offer canvas printing services, doesn't it make sense to choose a company like CanvasHQ that specializes in creating canvas prints?
I've got first-hand experience with CanvasHQ, and I'm here to tell you that their prints are something to behold.
For starters, CanvasHQ uses artisan-quality canvases paired with UV-resistant and waterproof inks. That means your canvas will have long-lasting colors for years and years of enjoyment.
Additionally, a good quality canvas needs to have a strong frame, and CanvasHQ delivers on that front.
They use kiln-dried fir stretcher bars that give your canvas the sturdy backing it needs. And with multiple frame depths - from 3/4-inch to 2-inches - you can customize how your canvas looks on your wall.
You also get your pick of several finishes - matte, gloss, semi-gloss, and iridescent - each of which offers a unique look for your print.
And unlike other printers, CanvasHQ send you complimentary digital proofs so you can "kick the tires" before you buy. If you see something you don't like, all you have to do is let them know, and they can tweak the image for you.
Even if you get your canvas and you're not totally happy with it, CanvasHQ offers a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee.
That means they'll either remake the print or refund your money within 30 days of receiving your art. Chalk it up to being dedicated to customer service and having a strong commitment to building relationships with their customers!
When it comes to selecting a printer to immortalize your images on canvas, if you ask me, it just makes sense to go with CanvasHQ.
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It All Starts With the Photo...
Many, many years ago when I first picked up a camera, I had a photo that I thought was pretty great.
So, I Googled "canvas prints," uploaded the shot, and ordered my first-ever canvas.
When I got the canvas in the mail and unboxed it, I wasn't impressed...
At the time, I chalked it up to the canvas printing company I chose. It had to be their fault my photo looked bad.
Well, hindsight is 20/20, and as it turns out, it was my photo that stunk.
It seems like a no-brainer that getting a high-quality canvas print starts with the photo you give to the printer. But sometimes we see our photos through rose-colored glasses and aren't quick enough to realize that the image isn't good enough for printing in the first place.
There's a lot to consider when deeming a photo print-worthy, too:
- Is the image sharply in focus?
- Does the image have vibrant colors?
- Is the subject well-defined? Will it draw the attention of viewers?
- What's the resolution of the image? Is it high enough to meet printing standards?
- How will the image look in large format?
That last point - how the image looks in a large format - is of particular concern.
Not only do you need to ensure that the image you select for a canvas print has the resolution to be printed in large format, but you also need to ensure that the image itself is worthy of a large print from a compositional and framing standpoint.
For example, though the image above is eye catching enough, I'd argue that it doesn't quite have the visual punch to be turned into a huge canvas that hangs above the fireplace.
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Keep an Eye on Color
As I noted above, something to consider when you're selecting photos for canvas printing is the vibrancy of the colors.
Now, this doesn't mean that you can't go for a more subdued look with flat colors and a matte finish.
But for me, a canvas with bright, vibrant colors and a lot of contrast really leaps off the wall.
Of course, you have to bear in mind that the manner in which the colors are rendered on your computer screen might not be a completely accurate representation of the colors in your image.
That's why having a calibrated screen is so important.
And that calibration isn't just necessary for ensuring that the image you send to the printer is spot-on...
Your monitor should be calibrated for the purposes of post-processing, too.
Some canvas printers offer enhancements to give your print added visual appeal. But that doesn't mean you should send them a totally unprocessed image.
Remember - the quality of the canvas depends on the quality of the image!
So, spend some time in Photoshop, Lightroom, or your program of choice to spruce up your image before you upload it to the printer's servers. They'll thank you, and your eyes will thank you when you get a canvas that looks incredible!
