How to turn your photos into metal and canvas prints

We have all seen the prize-winning photos in galleries and museums, but know that they probably cost a lot of money to produce professionally.

Printed canvas roll, ready to frame or stretch on a frame.

We also know that we have, or a friend, partner or lover has a wonderful photo that would be as good or better than the stuff we've seen hanging and with huge price tags...

So how do we have a glass, metal or canvas framed print for ourselves, or to give as a one-of-a-kind gift?

You need to have some basics down first, then I'll share how easy it is to get it printed.

The Basics:

Whether you're familiar with photoshop or not, it doesn't really matter here. So here are some very basic Dos and Don'ts for a superior print and for best results.

Don't: Whatever format your photo is in, do not alter or change it and save it as a jpeg/jpg file.
Why not? Because jpeg/jpg files are what are referred to as "lossy" format files. That's to say that every copy (every time you open and save the file), there's less encrypted information needed to make a good print. Don't send a saved copy of your file, DO: always send the original photo file. You will still have the original even after you send us an original file. It's confusing-sounding but really that simple.
Don't: Do not save it as anything gif or png, and do not convert it to CMYK (if you know what that is) and re-save it.

Acrylic printed 2nd surface with standoffs

Don't: If you want to add color, crop the file (change it's size or shape), add elements like curlicues, lines, graphics, clipart or wording, send a mock-up print to agencies like the one listed here- and be sure to DO: tell them what you're trying to accomplish, as you like it or with specific instructions so you're getting exactly what you want.

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GiralMedia provides a free review and pricing for photo projects on glass, metals, canvas and fabrics

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When taking a photo on your camera, try to have a fair amount of natural lighting to complement the subject or subject's face. Shooting with the sun setting behind someone, a common example leads to a silhouette of the person with a glaring background which does not make a very appealing print.

Photo printed on aluminum with a gloss finish

The photographers' works at galleries and museums are often the result of very experienced pros with high-end professional equipment that may reflect the many years of study and practice that the photographers have used to refine their art and final prints. You may have a photo that you love, but it may have been shot on a camera phone, or it may not look quite as attractive in its composition, lighting or even the color hues, or your photo may be blurry and not well lighted.

To some extent, there are aspects that can be adjusted and repaired and at the very least, reviewed to honestly let you know what would need to be done (if anything) to make the photo into an attractive large print, or sadly tell you that it's not going to look very good enlarged. Personally, I'd rather give you a little bad news than to take your money for something that's not going to make you feel better, or that would not, in reality, make a fine gift.

Here's how to get started
Sort out and find the photos that would make a nice gift or that you want to have printed.
Decide on the look you want. Many agencies can print on aluminum, onto clear acrylic, on canvas, woven polyester and other fine materials like the agency listed here.

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MyDIYsigns custom prints photo projects onto glass, metals and fabrics like framed canvas prints.

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Companies like the one above can actually also create a giclée print onto thick aluminum or brass if you want something that's truly long-lasting and worthy of permanent outdoor display.
So number one is to write down exactly what you have in mind.
The information they will need to have:
[1] the overall size of the print
[2] the material to print your photo onto
[3] how and where it will be displayed (indoors on a wall, outside on a memorial)
[4] and they'll need to see your photo so we can evaluate if the photo is ready as it is or needs to be modified. They can also tell you if the photo is of a high-enough quality to enlarge and print, and what options there may be if it's not. This part of the company listed above is a free service.
[5] How many alike?

Thanks for using my tips-
If you have more tips to share, write to me and I may
share it when I update this listing.

Of course, you can always take the finished product to have it made into t-shirts, mugs and shopping bags, too!

#printingPhotos #PhotoGlass, #photoMetal, #HowtoDIY #printingOnCanvas