kerry ould

Collages | Photo displays

One of the hardest things for many of my clients is figuring out which images to order, and then how to display them on their walls.  To help with this process, I recently added the option of doing image collage photo canvases.  I custom design the canvas from a favourite group of images and can even add text if desired.

The results are fabulous, and really make an impression.  I can't say enough how much I am loving photo canvases.  They are super easy to hang as they come ready to go.  And you don't have to worry about framing which takes a step out of the process so you can get your images on the wall even faster.

Here's one example of the design I used for a 10x20 gallery canvas.  The final product has just been delivered to my client and was even more impressive in person.

And here's another example of how a collage can be created.  This one is 20x20 and includes some text and graphics.

If you'd like more information on photo collages, drop me a line.

 

The right words

I was recently asked to describe my work in just a few words.  Easy said than done.

I played with words.  I got out the thesauraus. I wrote down a word, then scratched it out, then wrote another.  Eventually I realized that I was getting too much into the marketing-speak, and was just putting words down on paper that were what I hope people feel when they look at my work.  This whole exercise was taking me too far from the emotional side of art and how it makes people feel when they look at my work - which is really what matters to me as an artist.

I don't know about you, but I always find it easier to describe someone else's work, than it is for me to describe my own.  So I figured, I could sit here and try to figure it out, and maybe, or maybe not, get it right, or I could ask you what you think. If you were to describe my photography in just 3 words, what words would you use?

 

 

Gift certificates and snow

If you are already in mall-avoidance mode, let me help!  Silver Lining Gift certificates are available in any denomination and don't require a trip to the mall. 

Snow sessions

Just a reminder as well that winter photo shoots are available - and often result in magical photos for both dogs and horses.  I still have a couple of more spots available so if you are interested, let me know and I will provide you with more details. 

Gallery album share

I've had a few orders recently for gallery albums and the more I see them, the more I love them.  I offer them in 2 sizes - a 5x5" brag book, or an 8x8 album with a cut-out window.  They are available in a ton of cover options, and the quality is top-notch.

These can be ordered both for current sessions, or if you are a past client, you can also order them with your images from prior sessions.  They are also a great gift-giving option.

If you would like more information about them, drop me a line.  In the meantime, here's a a few photos to give you some inspiration.

But I haven't got a thing to wear...

One of the most common questions leading up to a session is "what should I wear?".  There's really no right or wrong answer - it really depends on the look you are trying to achieve. 

For the horses, it's easy, so let's start there.

1. Make sure they are clean with whiskers trimmed, goobers out of their eyes, manes tamed, and any white markings should be white.  And if your horse is grey, do your best to get them sparkling clean too.
2. Make sure whatever tack you put on them is spotlessly clean as well.  With bridles, the look is a bit more formal - and it has the added benefit of giving you a bit more control - no pun intended.  
3. If using a bridle, wake sure your bit is clean, the keepers are done up, and the bridle is well fit.
4. If using a halter, choose a leather one, with a matching leather lead.  I have extra horse sized ones, so just let me know if you need to borrow them for your session.
5. If you plan to ride, go with conservative saddle pads - something like you would use in the show ring.

Now for the humans...there's a few basic tips to keep in mind to help you get started.

Dress for the season.   The key here is to be comfortable.  Not to mention, it will look silly to be in a heavy jacket at the peak of summer.  Here's an example of a great winter look. 

If you want to go with a formal look - go with clean breeches, tall boots, and a nice blouse, sweater or jacket.  And, if you're like Katie, you'll want your pearls as well! 

 

Jeans always work for a casual look.  Here are two examples that work for different reasons.  In the first image, the jeans really stand out against the snow and contrast nicely with this gorgeous grey horse.  The white jacket brings in a touch of elegance and plays to the season.

In this second image, the look is all casual, but it works beautifully as well. 

The equestrian theme.  In this example, Caroline is wearing the quintessential Hunter boot, and combining it with jeans, and a nice sweater.  It's what you would expect to see a horse person wearing on a lazy Saturday afternoon and it works really well.

Consider colour.  There are a few ways to work with colour.  You can pick something that complements your horse's colour for a monochromatic look.

Or, your could choose black, or another dark colour, so you don't detract from your horse and the scenery too much.

Or you could choose a bold splash of colour.

The bottom line is to choose clothing that works well with your personality, and that you can be comfortable in.  If you need any guidance in choosing a look for your upcoming session, don't be afraid to ask - or bring along a few options.

Don't forget Dad...

Last call for Father's Day gift certificates!

Father's Day Gift Certificate Sale

Father's Day shopping is never fun!  And. if you are like me, your dad is really hard to buy for.  So I thought I would help you out this year and run a father's day sale on gift certificates.  Not only will you not have to go to the mall, but it's also a great way to get some photos for yourself - and dad of course!  Besides, what dad doesn't want photos of his favourite people and animals?

To order your gift certificates, just drop me a line at kerry@silverliningphoto.ca and we can make the arrangements.  Don't wait too long though - you have less than a month to make sure you've got father's day covered off...It's June 21st this year, in case you forgot!

(If you want to see a bigger image of the ad below, just click on it.)

Photo wall

I am always on the lookout for neat ways to display photos.  Here's a new idea I came across in the April issue of House & Home.  I think you could have a lot of fun with this.

NEW! Custom-designed coffee table books

One of the things many clients struggle with is deciding which photos to order, and then from there finding the time to put together an album.  I am now offering custom-designed coffee table books to ease the decision making process.

The books are 10x10" and are a very high quality.  This isn't your drugstore or big box store photo album!  The hard cover design has a high-end feel that is reminiscent of fine art coffee table books with a fully printed cover.  The cover is then treated with a protective coating to preserve its appearance for years to come.

These books features a white vellum sheet placed in front of the first printed page, and all pages are protected with a Varnish coating giving the pages a lustrous look and satiny feel. A frosted case is included allowing extra protection and easy portability.

I custom design each book individually to ensure the best use of the images from your session.  This includes combining various images and sizes on one page, taking on a storytelling feeling.  In total, your book will have 20 pages of images from your session.

Here's an electronic sample of how the book would look:

Get your own - Open publication

If you are interested in learning more about these books, drop me a line and I can provide you with more details.

If you are a past client, you can still order these books with the images from your session.

Moo cards

I recently came across moo cards out of the UK.  It's a neat concept where you can print mini business cards with a different image on each card.  This makes it perfect for promoting photography or other art.  It seems they've got a bit of a cult following among artists as well.  Online, you can find artists willing to swap their cards with other artists making it a very economical way to collect some interesting mini art.  Other artists are taking a guerrilla marketing approach and dropping cards in various locations for people to find and enjoy them.

The verdict?
I had a lot of fun making my moo cards and can't wait to start sharing them.  The quality of the paper was better than I had expected and because they send the cards via lettermail, they got here without a customs delay.  I had them in just over a week. 

Sneak peek
Here's some quickie images to give you a sneak peek.
Cool packaging!  The white boxes are actually a recyclable plastic that fit the cards perfectly.
 
Here are just a few of the cards from my collection.  The actual size of the cards is about 1.25" x 2.75". 


Want some for yourself?
If you are feeling creative, you can make your own at www.moo.com.  Or, if you want some of mine, drop me a line at kerry@silverliningphoto.ca and I will get a few out to you.