Choosing wall art from your photo session can definitely be overwhelming, which is why I'm here to help! What size should you get? How do I choose which images to print? What product will look best hanging in my home? I'll answer these for you here and of course I always give you in depth advice after the actual session!
Where To Hang It
The first step when picking wall art is to decide where it's going to be in your home. Typically you want a high traffic location like the living room for family portraits, but you can also use some more creative locations like the kitchen or a den, don't limit it all to the living room! It's also best to avoid direct sunlight where you hang, as it can fade framed photos over time or be too reflective on metals.
Once you pick your room you just need to decide on the wall! The general rule with hanging wall art is that the overall look should be about 2/3 the size of the furniture in front of it. That can be a cluster of images together or one large image, depending on what look you are going for. One great way to visualize this is to use blue painters tape and measure out your idea then taping the size up to see how it might look!
What Images Should I Use?
This is always going to be a hard decision! I recommend to always trust your instincts, and go with your gut choice if you are stuck between a few options. One way to make sure that they will look good in your home though is to plan ahead to match your decor. If you have a light and neutral style in your home then you will want to choose outfits that will match that and make sure the location will match too. For example a wheat field would look GREAT for this style of home, but a colorful downtown session in front of murals wouldn't make sense with the other decor.
The size of your print will make a difference when choosing the final image as well. If you know you want one large image over the fireplace, then it will be better to choose a photo that has more of the environment in it and isn't too close to people's face. A large canvas is an art piece, and should showcase the whole story. For a cluster of smaller images like 16x20 you can go for the closer shots to show lots of emotion. That way your wall art will always be easy to see from across the room and will proportionately fit the feel of the image.
Canvas, Metal, Or Framed?
The three options I personally give to clients for printing are canvas wraps, metal prints, or framed prints. They are all incredible in their own ways but it's best to choose between one or two in one room to keep it looking consistent. Of course if you're hanging in the kitchen or bathroom I always recommend metal prints because they won't become damaged over time from the humidity!
Metal prints are on a float mount which adds a sleek and contemporary look to your place, so if that is the look you have in your home then metal is a great choice! They really bring out vibrant colors too which is why it is my favorite for fall sessions. Framed prints are classic and versatile, which means that if you are creating a wall cluster of prints you can match framed ones with canvas OR metal in the cluster and it will look great, but I wouldn't suggest all three because it can start to look cluttered. Be sure to match the frame to the colors in the color of the image and your furniture around it too! Canvas wraps are also very versatile and add a timeless look to any home. Personally I would always choose to put a canvas over a fireplace as the showpiece or even in a cabin/vacation home, you can't forget to hang portraits there too!
To sum it up, when looking to book a session and hang wall art make sure you are looking at the overall picture to include color, style of the home, and the wall space in relation to the furniture. There are lots more I go over with clients because each session is unique in telling a family's story but that's why I love doing it!
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