Planning Your Wall Gallery~

Before you even arrive for your session- it's a good idea to begin to think about what kind of products you will want to actually order from your session. Perhaps you're interested in many smaller desk portraits to display on shelves, in albums, or to give to friends and family. But more and more clients I work with want to display at least one image as a wall portrait or several wall portraits as a gallery wall in their home.

First off, a wall portraits is generally defined as a 11 x14 or larger. 8x10s and smaller are 'desk portraits' and best displayed on endtables, pianos, or desks. They are generally too small to be an effective wall portrait.

Of course I love to see my work displayed in your home. I really believe in decorating your home with images with real meaning to you! (not that there is anything wrong with that painted vase with flowers in) :) But while I truly believe that, I know from experience it can be overwhelming to see lots of images you love and then trying to figure out WHAT to DO with them now. I thought a post was in order to give you some examples and food for thought when planning your display.

If you're unsure what size wall portrait to get for your particular wall, there are some general tips to follow.

5x7's and smaller-they look best framed and displayed on tables, desks, end tables, etc. Unless they are framed and grouped with other portraits, they generally get lost on the wall and make viewing the actual image difficult.

8x10: Sometimes people get a 'big' 8x10 and are surprised that when they get it hung on their wall how small it looks. Keep in mind, an 8x10 is smaller than a sheet of typing paper. It is generally best displayed on a end table or desk, or if hung on a wall, it will make the biggest impact when displayed in a wall grouping with other wall portraits.

11x14: An 11x14 is actually the smallest size that is considered a 'wall portrait'. This size generally looks best framed and hung on a smaller wall- perhaps in a corner wall or narrow space- over a chair or other smaller piece of furniture. Hung over a formal dining room chair on a smaller wall- an 11x14 maybe just right!

12x12, 16x16, 20 x 20, etc: Square crops are contemporary, hip, and VERY popular. They look fantastic and very custom hung in a grouping on your wall. Some images work better than others with a square crop than others, and I generally show you at least one square crop in your gallery.

16x20 and larger: This size are wall portraits that will really focus on your image and are the best size to be hung on a wall. One thing to consider when picking a size is how big the subjects face will be in the final portrait. For example, if the image is a close up of your son's face- a 20x24 might be overwhelming depending on your decor and wall space. However, a 16x20 may be just right. Now, if the image is a full length shot of your son- a 16x20 may be too small-a larger print will bring his face better into view and better able to be viewed. You shouldn't have to stand 3 inches from the print to make out who the picture is actually of! ;)

I'm not the best salesman I don't like to be pushy- I admit it, but I do truly believe in picking the right size for your space. I just had a client email me this morning telling me the only thing she regrets about her canvas is that it wasn't big enough!

On the other hand- while I think big prints generally look great- there are other options to consider and one large print may not be the best solution for your space either.

One customer recently told me they were interested in purchasing a large portrait approximately 16x40 to put over their bed. I encouraged her to think about several smaller prints in a wall grouping so that she could switch them out as she goes- which would be easier and less costly for her as well. I consider assisting you in putting together your portrait order part of the job I love.

The final tip for choosing your wall portrait size that I often tell people is this.:

If you're wondering how an 11x14 will look on your wall- cut an 11x14 piece of newspaper to size and actually hang it on your wall. Look at it a few days. Does it feel right? Does it look right? What about grouping 3 or 4 11x14's in the same space? How does that look? What about one 16x20. This is a simple and inexpensive way to really imagine what the wall portrait will look like in your space and allow you to feel more confident in the sizes you order.

Wow- this is the longest post I've had for a while- but I'm hoping to post more about different things to consider, new products and services offered, preparing for your session, etc. The next few days I will post a little more about wall gallery options as well as sharing some of the wall portraits I have in my own home.

Finally- I'll share above a few samples of wall galleries that feature different size wall portraits and groupings. I have many available and am always happy to assist you in figuring out how you would like to display your images. After all- enjoying the images for years to come is part of the fun!