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.

 

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.

Now what? | Photo display ideas

So now that you've got some great photos of your horse or dog, now what do you do with them? 

One way to share your photos is to have a collection of images framed so they can be displayed on your wall.  There's tons of resources out there to give you ideas on how to mix and match images in interesting ways - and you don't necessarily have to stick with traditional framed images. For example, you might want to consider using photo canvases for a more modern look.

Here's just one example of a grouping of framed images which includes one 20x24, one 16x20, one 11x14 and two 8x10 prints. It's a fairly large grouping, so it would definitely make a bold statement on a wall.

When creating groupings like this, it often works best if all the frames are the same, and when you choose to go with either a B&W or colour theme.  Alternatively, you could also go with a totally eclectic group of images and frames.  

All Silver Lining Photography sessions offer you the option of a one-on-one consultation and proofing session.  During this time we can help you decide on the images to use, and how to display them.

Once you've made those decisions, there are a few product options available to you:

1. Prints only - we offer any size of print you need - whether it's a standard 8x10, or a custom size.  All images 8x10 and larger are mounted on matboard to ensure that the images lay flat when framed.
2. Framing - custom framing is also available upon request so you end up with ready to hang art.
3. Photo canvases - avoid framing all together with this option and create a bold, modern statement.
4. Digital negatives - if you are a do-it-yourself type, you might want to consider ordering digital negatives from your session.  These allow you to print what you want, and as much as you want with one upfront investment.

For more tips on framing and hanging photos, here's a great article from Martha Stewart.

Casual photo display idea

Here's another way to display photos if you are looking for a more casual style.  This approach works well to incorporate all those different frames you've managed to accumulate over the years.

This image was from House & Home magazine.

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.

Framing help

It's often hard to visualize how images will look framed and arranged on a wall - and sometimes even harder to pick which images to use. 

One way I can help is by showing what some of your images would look like on a wall, like in the sample shown below.  In this case, Carole wanted to have 3 11x14" photos for a wall in her home but wasn't sure which to images to pick or how to arrange them.  Working together, this is what we came up with.

Cat photo wall

I am always on the lookout for inspiration so I am often surfing design blogs.  One of my daily rituals is checking design*sponge.  One of this week's posts featured an amazing photo wall dedicated to the owner's cat.  I need to get working on doing a wall like this for Seuss or my kitties...I love the mix of frames/mats.  Usually it's the frames that are consistent and the subject that varies.  This is a neat twist on the theme.

Magnetic photo display ideas

Here's another neat, and casual way to display family photos.  These are magnetic boards I found in an old Pottery Barn catalogue from earlier this summer.  I also like how they combine the photos with small mementos like postcards, the starfish and ticket stubs.  It really starts to tell a story about the family and would also be a great way to display artwork from your children.