Photography.com

April 05, 2024

Celebrate Your Graduate's Journey with a Custom Print

As graduation season approaches, families are gearing up to celebrate the achievements of their graduates. Whether it's a pre-k or college, graduation marks a significant moment in a person's life. We believe in commemorating these milestones with personalized touches that capture the essence of the journey. In this blog, we'll explore five tips for taking unique graduation photos, what kind of substrates to print your graduation photos, and where to showcase them! Quick Guide: 5 Tips for Taking Amazing Graduation Photos Choose a Meaningful Location: Opt for a location that holds significance for the graduate, whether it's their alma mater, a favorite spot on campus, or a picturesque outdoor setting. Dress Appropriately: Ensure the graduate wears attire that aligns with their personal style while still being suitable for the occasion, creating a cohesive and polished look for the photoshoot. Plan Outfits in Advance: Coordinate outfits and colors with family members or friends participating in the photoshoot to ensure everyone looks coordinated and harmonious in the final images. Bring Props: Incorporate props like graduation caps, diplomas, flowers, or banners to add visual interest and personalize the photos, enhancing the overall storytelling aspect of the shoot. Focus on Details: Capture close-up shots of significant details such as graduation attire, jewelry, and accessories to complement the main portraits and create a well-rounded collection of images that capture the essence of the moment. Materials to Suit Any Interior Design Needs Our custom prints are available in a large range of sizes and substrates, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your interior design needs. Whether you prefer the sleek and modern look of acrylic, the classic elegance of glass, or the vibrant colors of metal, we have something for everyone. Our substrates are of the highest quality, ensuring that your graduation photos look stunning and stands the test of time. Plus, with options like canvas and jigsaw puzzles, you can get creative with your display options and add a unique touch to any space. Displaying Pride: Where to Showcase Your Graduation Prints Once you've chosen the perfect photo to honor your graduate's journey, the next step is deciding where to display it. Whether it's in your living room, office, or gifted to the graduate themselves, custom prints are a beautiful addition to any space. In the living room, a custom print serves as a conversation starter and a source of pride for the entire family. In the office, it's a daily reminder of your graduate's accomplishments and the support they've received along the way. And when gifted to the graduate themselves, a custom print becomes a cherished memento of their hard work and dedication, inspiring them to continue reaching for their dreams. Take the time to celebrate the achievements of your graduate with a custom print that honors their journey. Whether displayed in your living room, office, or gifted to the graduate themselves, a custom print is a timeless reminder of their accomplishments. We're here to help you find the perfect custom print to showcase your pride for your graduate and celebrate their journey in style.

February 14, 2024

10 Fantastic Tips to Master iPhone Photography

Quickly ramp up your iPhone camera photo results by following a few simple tips and taking a deeper dive into your camera settings and modes. Whether you’re taking pictures for personal enjoyment, to express creative vision, or want to produce content to share on your social media platforms, you can capture beautiful images in exhilarating detail, create stunning portraits, and get the perfect picture in any environment. The iPhone camera offers settings that both amateurs and professionals can use to take high-quality pictures. Here are ten helpful suggestions to help you enhance the photos you take with your iPhone camera. 1. Change perspective Adjusting the position from which you’re taking a photo can add some excitement to your subject and have every photo looking more artistic and less like a postcard. Shooting a subject from a low angle gives it added importance and prestige, emphasizes the sky, and reduces unwanted background distractions. A shot from above can make the subject seem vulnerable or diminished. High shots are great for capturing a large space that has lots of visual information. They can also provide a slimmer and more flattering perspective to subjects. 2. Shoot close up Close up shots let you show even the most common, everyday item in an entirely new way, revealing colors, textures, details, and patterns that can’t be detected from a distance. Getting close can add excitement, intimacy, and wonder to your photographs, and the unfocused background can enhance the final shot and add depth and interest. Close up shots can result in touching portraits and stunning images of the natural world. They capture the emotion of the human eye, the vibrancy of a flower in bloom, or science fiction, alien-like characteristics of insects. 3. Turn on grid mode Grid mode is a wonderful tool for visualizing subjects by rule of thirds guidelines for photography. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone home screen and tap on Photos and Camera, then toggle the Grid switch to on. When you bring up your camera screen, you’ll see four intersecting lines that create nine grids of the same size. Using Grid mode gives your photos a well-balanced look and avoids center-focused photo compositions that can be boring. To add special emphasis to your subject with Grid mode, place the subject at one of the intersecting points or along one of the lines to draw the viewer’s gaze. 4. Create depth We don’t experience the world in two dimensions, so why should your photographs show subjects that way? There are several techniques you can use with your iPhone camera to create depth in your photos. Leading lines like railroad tracks, roadway and pavement markings, rivers, and fencing take the viewer’s eyes from the foreground into the distance. Another technique is to include items of different colors and shapes in the foreground, middle ground, and background to give the eyes different levels of interest to focus on. A third way to create depth in your photos is to frame the shot with an item in the foreground that appears larger or smaller than in real life. 5. Use Portrait mode for portraits Portrait mode is an iPhone camera setting that you can master to accentuate the qualities and distinctiveness of your subject by making the background appear soft and blurry. It is not to be confused with selecting portrait for the frame’s orientation. This setting is helpful when the background is busy with colors or shapes that could be distractions and draw the attention of the viewer’s eyes away from what you want them to see. Softening the look of your photos with Portrait mode adds drama and focus to the subject while still allowing a subdued vibrancy to remain in the background. Keep in mind that Portrait mode does not work well in low light and your subject must be between two and eight feet away from your iPhone. To further enhance Portrait mode photos, explore the iPhone’s Portrait Lighting mode to create impressive studio and stage lighting around your subject. 6. Stage your shot Your iPhone camera lets you compose your photo to create visually stunning and balanced shots of your subjects. In many instances, you have direct control over the environment and can move objects and control lighting and shadows to get the look you want. In other cases, such as when you’re capturing images of landscapes and buildings, it is you who must move about your subject to determine the most impactful shot possible. Two useful practices for staging photos that make your subject blend smoothly with their surroundings are positioning the main elements of the photo in diagonal alignment with one another or using an architectural or natural feature to frame the subject and draw the viewer in. 7. Keep things simple Avoid clutter to keep things simple in your iPhone camera shots. If too much is happening, viewers will receive confusing messaging and your photo will lack a visual focus. Pick out one image (or several images of a similar shape or color) for the eye to connect with. Don’t be afraid of empty space in your photos. It’s called negative space and it helps the features of the subject to stand out more distinctively. You may eventually print your photo for framing, but chances are greater that you’ll be sharing your photos via text messaging or on social media sites where they’ll be viewed on small smartphone screens. Single items make a greater impact. 8. Use symmetry Your iPhone lets you apply many of the most common forms of photographic symmetry to add balance and proportion around a central axis in the shots you take. Reflective symmetry in photography uses pools of water, glass surfaces, or even shiny metals to cast a doubling of the original image. Rotational or radial symmetry plays with circular patterns to create a sense of action and immediacy. Translational symmetry establishes stability and organization when the same subject appears repeatedly in a straight line and connects the eye to items in different areas of the photo. Symmetry can be found naturally in the shape and contours of leaves and animals or the style and structure of man-made items. Keep in mind that the iPhone camera lens is not positioned in the middle of the phone and you may need to adjust your camera position to get the symmetrical effect you’re after. 9. Adjust exposure You can rely on your iPhone camera’s automatic settings to get you good photos, but for dramatic image quality you should explore adjusting the camera’s exposure. With the iPhone camera you can have greater control over the finished look of your photo, but be careful. Too much light and the photo appears washed out and too little results in a darkened shot that disappoints. When your camera is opened, tap on the screen to see the focus area and exposure setting. Tap on the area of focus and a small exposure box and sun icon appears. Adjust the exposure by sliding the sun icon up or down to create the desire effect. 10. Try a Tripod Using an iPhone camera tripod is a terrific idea if you’re the type whose photos come out a little blurry due to unsteady hands. However, a tripod can do so much more to create compelling, imaginative photos. If you have time to set your shot, the tripod can hold the camera balanced while you make height, angle, and lighting adjustments. A tripod comes in handy when taking pictures at night to keep the camera steady over longer exposure settings. You can also add to your repertory of photo-content by creating time-lapse videos, slow motion shots, and wide, arching panoramic views. Another nice advantage is that the tripod leaves hands free and away from covering the camera lens. Your iPhone camera makes it easy to capture treasured moments and always have your photos come out looking great. By following a few basic tips and exploring the wide range of settings and modes on your camera, you’ll be taking wonderful pictures in no time. Contact Photography.com today for help with all your photography questions.

February 16, 2024

Choosing the Right Size of Your Favorite Photos

Choosing the Right Size: A Guide to Printing Your Favorite Photos Some people make it look so easy. In every room of their house, every photo print fits the space perfectly. Don’t despair. With a little understanding about factors like photo resolution and aspect ratios, and by following a few basic interior decorating rules, you can easily determine the ideal size for your photo print and decorate your home like a pro. Resolution Determines Size The resolution of your photo determines its quality, clarity, and sharpness. The general rule is the higher the resolution the sharper the picture. Resolution is measured in pixels per inch (PPI). Any image with fewer than 300 ppi is considered to have a low resolution, and one with 300 ppi or more is determined to be high resolution. A low photo does not mean your picture won’t look terrific, only that it should limit the size of your photo print. If the pixel count is 460 x 310 or lower, consider going with an 8”x8” or 8”x12” format for your print. As a rule of thumb, follow these recommended picture resolutions for mid-sized to large photo prints: 16”x20” photo print 760 x 610 px 20”x30” photo print 1200 x 760 px 24”x36” photo print 1400 x 920 px 36”x48” photo print 1900 x 1400 px Fortunately, an image with a lower resolution can look better on canvas than it would as a framed photo or acrylic print, and Photography.com has the knowledge and tools to convert low-resolution images to high resolution to give your picture a crisper look regardless of size. Apply Aspect Ratios To Get the Whole Picture The aspect ratio of your photo can play a role in determining the shape your photo print will take. The aspect ratio is a fraction that describes the relationship between height and length in your image. An image with a width of 500 pixels and height of 1,000 pixels would have an aspect ratio of 1:2. Conversely, if the width is 1,000 pixels and the height 500 pixels, the aspect ratio would be expressed as 2:1. The goal is to match the image to standard print aspects without the need to crop out parts of the image and leave your print looking incomplete or unbalanced. Here is a list of the aspect ratios of the most common print sizes: Aspect Ratio Photo Size 3:4 3 x 4; 6 x 8; 9 x 12; 12 x 16; 18 x 24; 30 x 40; 36 x 48 7:5 5 x 7; 10 x 14; 20 x 28 4:5 8 x 10; 16 x 20; 24 x 30 6:5 10 x 12; 20 x 24 11:14 11 x 14; 22 x 28 1:1 6 x 6; 12 x 12 1:2 6 x 12; 8 x 16; 12 x 24 7:9 7 x 9; 14 x 18; 21 x 27; 28 x 36 2 :3 2 x 3; 6 x 9; 12 x 18; 16 x 24; 20 x 30; 24 x 36 Match Print Size to Space and Style When it’s all said and done, the most important factor for choosing the right size photo print is how great it will look on your walls. The rule of thumb for photo prints is that they should fill 50%-75% of your available wall space. If you’re hanging it behind furniture, the print’s width should not exceed the furniture’s width, and if you have any doubts, go big to fill large spaces. Here are a few tips on best ways to display your print based on its dimensions. Photo Size Best Positioning 8”x10”; 11”x14” Ideal for creating a wall gallery or if you’re placing prints in a small space 12”x12” Wonderful for creating symmetry and adding a sense of balance to a space 16”x20”; 20”x24” Looks great when displayed in pairs on walls 20”x30”; 24”x36” Perfect behind a couch or in a large space where they command attention 30”x40”; 32”x48” For really large areas in dens, living rooms and bedrooms The size of your photo prints can dramatically impact the way that you and your guest feel in your home, ranging from impressions of spaciousness to intimate moods. A print that is too small can seem lost on a large wall and one that is too large can intimidate and create a sense of imbalance. Contact Photography.com today for help finding the perfect size for your photo and with all your photography questions.

February 14, 2024

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Properly Hang Photos

Ever wonder how art galleries and museums seem to have every picture hung perfectly at the ideal height and in almost precise symmetry with every other piece? There is no secret. It comes down to preparation and following a few simple steps to create a look that impresses and appeals to the eye. Gather The Picture Hanging Supplies You’ll Need We’ll start with the assumption that you have already determined the perfect solution for framing or showcasing your favorite photos or wall art. Your choices include photos displayed on canvas, metal, glass, acrylic, or wood. By looking at the back of the print, you’ll see the type of hanging hardware you’ll be working with. The most common are hanging wire, D-rings, or a sawtooth hangar. A sawtooth hanger is common on light frames, mounts to the upper edge, and works well with a medium to large nail. A D-ring usually is attached nearer to the center of the back of the frame and works best with picture hanging hooks and bear claw hangers. The hardware should suit the weight and size of the frame. Other materials you may need to hang your photo include a hammer, measuring tape, painter’s tape, and a pencil. Depending on the weight of your photo, you may also want to have a stud finder, wall anchors, and a drill with bits on hand. Plan the Photo HangingBefore you pick up that hammer, take a moment or two to decide exactly where, how high, and, based on the material of your walls, how to hang your photo to give it that perfect placement and appearance on your wall. Find the Right SpaceWhether you are hanging one photo or creating a gallery of wall art, take a moment to consider the space where it will go. Is there natural lighting that can highlight aspects of the photo? Will it make the wall space look cluttered? Does it get along shape and color-wise with nearby objects like lamps and furniture? You want your photo to be displayed where it will be appreciated and enjoyed the most. The 57-Inch RuleThe standard practice of photo hanging followed by art gallery professionals is called the 57-inch rule. The focal point of the photo or wall art should 57 inches from floor, which is considered the average human eye level, and can provide a uniform feel for photos throughout a space when art of different shapes and sizes are all on the same eye line. It’s important to note that the 57-inch mark you measure is not where your nail or hook will be on the wall. It may be necessary to do some math to center accordingly. Measure 57 inches from the floor and mark it on the wall (or tape). Find the focal point of the photo by measuring its height and dividing in two. Measure from the top of the frame to the hook or taut hanging wire, and subtract it from the focal point measurement. Take this number and add it to the 57-inch mark Mark it with a pencil or painter’s tape This is the focal height for your hook. The 57-inch rule applies even if you’re grouping several photo of various sizes together on one wall. In that case, you’ll select one piece of wall art (usually the largest) to hang with its focal point at 57 inches and arrange the others beside and above (never below!) with a consistent space between all of the frames. Of course, with every rule there are exceptions, and the 57-inch rule does not always apply, such as when hanging above furniture, mantles, or other architectural features. In such cases, it’s recommended that the bottom of the picture frame be approximately 10 inches above the furniture or obstruction. Mark The Wall and Get Ready to HammerYour frame may be light enough to be supported adequately by one nail, but in most cases it’s recommended to anchor the nail, hook, or bear claw hanger in a wall stud for additional sturdiness and support. If there isn’t a stud where you want to hang your piece and weight is an issue, you can drill a hole in the wall and insert a wall anchor and leave room between the screw head and wall for hanging wire. Line the picture over the focal height mark and mark where the top of the frame hits. Measure the back of frame from the top to the hanging hardware and transfer this measurement down from the mark on the wall and use your pencil here. You’re ready to go. Hang The Photo With StyleAt this point, it’s a matter of securing the hanger into the wall, adjusting your frame or wall art to perfection, either by eye or with a level, and standing back to admire. However, why stop with hanging only one favorite photo? With some planning and imagination, you can turn your photo displays into gallery-style exhibitions and mount them in numerous arrangements to create one work of art and add a flair to your space. Gallery WallsCreating a gallery wall requires some planning but the result can be a vibrant way to display your favorite family photos and decorate your home with wall art that reflects your personality. One method is to trace the pictures onto kraft paper, cut their patterns, and arrange them on the floor or tape them to your wall until you see a pattern you like. One tip is to put the largest photo in the center and arrange the other around it, leaving a two-inch gap between smaller frames and a 3-to-6-inch space for larger frames. Picture Hanging SystemsA convenient way to hang photos while minimizing the need for nailing or drilling into the wall for every separate photo is using a picture hanging system. Commonly used in art galleries, they consist of a hanging rail or track mounted along the ceiling with hanging cords or wires extending down and attaching to the photos. Creating the ideal, comfortable space by filling it with your most cherished and best-loved photos is easy and needs only a little strategizing. The end result can be a personal expression of your tastes and travels and a showcase for the relationships that matter most to you. Photography.com can help you turn your most treasured memories into brilliant wall art with new and innovative approaches to printing on a wide selection of vibrant materials.

Bring Your Wedding Photos to Life

Latest Blog Posts

Celebrate Your Graduate's Journey with a Custom Print

10 Fantastic Tips to Master iPhone Photography

Choosing the Right Size of Your Favorite Photos

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Properly Hang Photos