So, I Want to Purchase a Print, Which One Should I choose?

So, you’ve decided to purchase a Fine Art Photographic Print. First of all, welcome! You’ve come to the right place.

Here is the problem. With so many options, how do you decide? Each case is, obviously a highly personal one and depends on what else is going on in your home. I am here to work with you on the best print type and size that would work for your home and make you happy.

For a brief explanation of the different print types I offer, please, check out the “What I Offer” page. To make a long story short, there is no one “correct” answer. Or more like the usual non-commital “it depends” answer. It really does depend, though.

If you are going for a more traditional feel, framed art prints are the way to go. The frames I offer are more clean and modern, but if you want a heavy Renaissance — style frame, we can work on that too. Metal prints are very sleek and modern, and they really bring the image to life. Canvas is somewhere in the middle. I personally love the framed canvas images I offer. That textured surface and the warm wood tone of the frame just give it that relaxed, homey feeling. My wife, on the other hand, is a metal print person. In the end, you as a family need to decide what type of print would work for you long term.

Some images work better with some printing surfaces. This isn’t to say that the others would not work, just that some substrates bring out the best out of the image. For example, high contrast images with reflections just call for a metal surface. On the other hand, warm woodland tones would work great on canvas or on the textured surface of my Fine Art Prints.

One additional thing to remember is the lighting in the room. Metal prints are pretty reflective and so are the standard framed prints (if you need an anti-reflective glazing or a more matte option of a metal print, please, contact me). On the other hand, canvas is almost completely matte.

The second question is what size of print should you choose? You might have guessed my answer to that. It depends. To help you choose, you can see some mock-ups in this post. Do remember that if you choose a framed print, you need to take into account the matting and frame size as well. On the other hand, metal and canvas prints come ready to hang with the image taking the entire visible surface. In case of a framed canvas, you need to add ~1.5'“ on each side of the image.

Generally speaking, for maximum impact the art size should take up 2/3-3/4 of the empty area intended for it. Leave 6”-12” between the artwork and any furniture you have underneath it. Aim for a width of 2/3-3/4 of the furniture.

If you intend to hang the artwork above a fireplace, leave 3” - 6” above the mantle. The width of the art should be wider than the firebox, but smaller than the width of the mantle.

Don't be afraid to go big! If you have a large open wall space, a large print filling the space makes a bigger visual impact.

If you are still unsure, feel free to contact me. Did I mention yet that I am here to help you?