This is the fourth and final piece of a four-part series I have been covering over the last several weeks. To access the first three, click on a link below.
The First Step to Beautiful Pet Portraits
Step Two: The Session
Step Three: Viewing Your Session Photos
The Final Step is choosing your artwork, and believe me, much thought has gone into our discussions in most of the above referenced activities, so it's not like you will be jumping off the high dive into the unknown. In fact, samples of the most popular products chosen by clients can be found in my studio. This helps in the decision making process.
We have already talked a bit about the type of artwork or prints you may be hoping to add to your decor. I've asked for your color scheme. Do you like earthy tones? Is your palette neutral? Are you looking for one statement piece, or a wall grouping? In some cases, I might have asked you to send me a photo of the space where you would like to display your photos. Or maybe you are looking for additional pieces to use on your desk at work?
Whatever you decide, I know there is a beautiful answer to your wish.
I have spent a number of years testing products from various vendor labs. I know just who to go to for different options, and who will provide the BEST choice to honor your decision.
Along the way I am finding out exactly what your preferences may be. Do you prefer framed prints? Or would you like the ease of a product that comes ready to hang without a frame?
Perhaps you'd like a bit of both? Often clients will choose a larger, main statement piece in a medium that does not require framing, such as metals, art blocks, or acrylics; then add medium to larger framed prints for mantels, desks, sideboards, dressers, or other spots where a photo placement is important to them.
I am going to tell you a secret. Most times, when a photographer is taking a photograph, they are already imagining how best to showcase it. Yes, that's right. Every time I take a special photo of your pet, I am already picturing it in its final stages--as artwork on your wall.
So, when you ask for my thoughts, I am giving you a true value by recommending the end product I think will best showcase your specific photo.
Seeing products up close and personal certainly has its advantages. You can feel the texture of an art block, and notice how it looks like canvas the closer you get to it, but like a photo the further you walk away.
You can see how a metal print is mounted, and how it looks against a wall.
You can go through a variety of Holiday and Greeting Cards to decide how you might want your greeting to look. Or sift through a group of metal ornament styles to pick out a special gift for a loved one.
You can view a Lay-Flat Album, which is a great way to capture a large number of photos from your session.
The most asked-for products are usually the ones that are easiest to hang, or the ones that don't have to be hung at all. They include:
Metal Prints (With 1/2 inch float mount)
Canvas Art Blocks
Hanging Canvas Prints
Lay Flat Books and Albums
Accordion Minis (Desktop item)
Barn Wood Minis (Both hanging and desktop)
There are two things I know for sure:
(1) If you want a lasting memory of your pet, there is no better way to accomplish that, than to make your pet a part of the art in your home.
(2) Everyone who sees their chosen artwork for the first time, can't wipe the smile off of their face.
Personally, we have our pets as artwork in our home. So I do walk the talk. We also have a head shot of each of our pets, who have passed over the bridge, hanging above their urn in a special spot in our house. Just the other day, I walked past a photo of our dog, Burton, and smiled over a memory it brought forward.
And, there you have it!
The four-part series was designed to hopefully help you understand the process of having professional photos taken of your pet(s). Whether studio portraits, or action shots at a favorite location, there really is nothing like seeing your best friends gracing your wall.
If you have additional questions, feel free to CONTACT ME to help you through.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about this week on the topic of artwork, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, as she shows the many ways you can enjoy photos of your pet both at home and at the office. Then look for the link at the end of each blog to get to the next one, until you find yourself right back here!
Have a great weekend! Enjoy!