Happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday! This year it was overshadowed by Hurricane Sandy (to those of you in the eastern U.S., I hope you are recovering!) and every year it is overshadowed by Halloween, which I've always been ok with because as a kid (ok, and grown-up) you can't really go wrong with presents one day and candy the next. This year, as a treat to myself, I ordered a 20x30 canvas of me and my golden girl Chloe to hang in our home office. I love it.

This image also makes me want to repaint my house. This blue-grey wall colour looks great in person, but does not translate well in photos!

Happy Tuesday all!

Wags,
Stacey

gallery wrap canvas | ontario pet photographer

In my previous What Got Buried post I shared a quick look at a couple of canvases that I have hanging in the Burlington, Ont., location of the Bark and Fitz pet boutique. The shop owners were kind enough to give me space right behind the cash register, and it is a great opportunity to showcase not only my photography, but one of my favourite products that I offer clients: gallery wrap canvases. I thought I would share a closer look at these canvases because I think they are pretty awesome.

I posted before about going as big as you can when it comes to wall art, and I think 20x30 is the minimum size to get. It's a nice size — it's big enough to be displayed on many different wall shapes and sizes, and can still be used in a grouping if you want. These canvases are both 20x30.

I love canvases because they are really durable and come ready to hang — it's really the easiest way to get art up on your walls. I work with an amazing professional lab that works exclusively with photographers. I am in love with their canvases ... or perhaps more accurately, in lurrrvvee! The colours are always spot on and the finishing is top-notch, right down to the neatly folded corners.

None of the detail is lost — it's amazing. Don't you feel like you could reach out and pet Buckeye?

Although Chloe doesn't get what all the fuss is about — why I would ever order any art that has a dog on it other than her?

Don't worry Chloe, you'll be up on our walls soon enough. My birthday is coming up and as a little gift to myself I ordered a canvas of Chloe and I for our office. I'll share it soon!

On a more personal note, seeing my work on a product like this makes me feel like more than someone who takes photographs — it makes me feel like a bona fide photographer ... even, an artist. Sometimes I get caught up in worry and doubt, and comparing myself to other photographers, and my confidence gets low. Can I really call myself a professional? Why does everyone else seem so successful and have everything together? But then I open up a delivery like this and say in wonder to my husband, "Wow, this looks like real art." His response is a pretty consistent, "Umm, yeah. D'uh." There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my work like this. It just plain makes me happy.

Wags,
Stacey

client photo book | burlington pet photographer

I just love photo books. They tell a complete story of our session — an experience I hope all my clients enjoy and hold close to their hearts. And they are a great choice for clients who can't narrow down their images to one or two. I think it's a great compliment when a client orders a photo book because it means they love all their images!

Like all my books, this one was custom made for two of my favourite monkeys, April and Laci. They are sisters and total girls, so I went with a feminine pink damask on the back cover and the font was specially picked just for them: it's called Love Ya Like A Sister.

April and Laci's family has since moved to Ottawa, so this photo book is a great reminder of their time in southwestern Ontario. Head over to my website for more information on my products!

Wags,
Stacey

so you think a 5x7 is an enlargement ... | ontario pet photographer

It's difficult to visualize what a piece of art will look like on your wall. I totally understand and until I really got into photography and started ordering tons of product for my business, I was in the same boat. Back then, I printed lots of 4x6 prints and even went "big" and got 5x7s of our family snapshots. Most of them ended up packed away in shoeboxes in our closet because there really wasn't much I could do with them — I didn't want lots of tiny frames sprinkled around our house. When I started ordering sample products for my business, I had the light bulb moment. I realized these tiny prints weren't really what I wanted. I wanted art. I wanted impact. I wanted people to see the images hung on my walls without squinting.

A 5x7 or an 8x10 isn't really an enlargement. Sure, they are bigger than a basic 4x6, but they are still teeny tiny. But you can't really visualize the difference until you see it. To demonstrate, here is a framed 5x7 that I hung in my hallway and beside it is a 20x30 canvas.

What do you think — which would you rather hang as art on your wall? If this was the permanent spot for the canvas, I would go even bigger. Wouldn't a piece the length of the bench look stunning? If you want an image for your desk at work, or for your nightstand, then an 8x10 or 11x14 print might be the way to go. I'm not discounting them — they have their place. But if you are looking for something to hang on your wall, I think 20x30 is the minimum size you should consider (depending on your wall size and shape of course). Many people are surprised and think it will be way too big. But, as you can see in the example above, a 20x30 isn't that ginormous. I consider it a good starting point.

I love helping people achieve their own light bulb moment and display their photographic art in a way that can be enjoyed for many years. I am always available to help clients choose the best images in the best sizes and mediums for their homes.

Don't let your images languish away in a shoebox. Print them, and print them big! Go at least a few sizes bigger than you think you want — you won't be disappointed!

Wags,
Stacey

client photo book | products

A few posts back I shared the story of Scruffy, and his incredible 20-years of life. After our Celebration Session (these are special sessions I offer for terminally ill or elderly pets where time is of the essence), Scruffy's mom decided on a beautiful 10x10 photo book to memorialize him. 

Like all of my books, Scruffy's is hardcover with a custom photo cover.

Inside, heavy-weight, lay-flat pages showcase the images beautifully. And I just love the full-page spreads! Each book I do is custom designed inside and out.

I love it when clients order photo books or large canvases — isn't that what professional pet photography is all about? To display your images and enjoy them as art? Rather than have her images languish on disc, Amanda will have this gorgeous photo book with a variety of images to remember her loyal companion by .... forever. 

For more information on my Celebration Sessions or to book your own, please visit my website!

Wags,

Stacey

chloe on canvas

Have you met Chloe yet? She's top dog at our house, although our bossypants cat would probably protest this (Kitty thinks she is top cat AND top dog). We adopted Chloe at age four and despite her insane tennis ball obsession, she is just amazing. We love her. Here is Chloe at her birthday last year when she turned six.

And now I get to look at that moment every day because here is Chloe on canvas!

I ordered this 15x30 canvas a while ago, but didn't get around to sharing it until now. I love it! It's a gallery wrap canvas with a nice chunky profile — I offer this product through the Happy Tails collection.

Here's an even closer look at the thickness. This canvas is one-inch thick, but you can also order these at two-inches thick.

 These canvases are hand-stretched and come laminated for durability. The quality is really stunning. I swear it looks like Chloe is going to pop right off my wall!

Here's the back, which is neatly finished. It comes ready to hang too, with a wire hanger or metal brackets (these are not recommended for bigger sizes).

I think this is a great example of how to approach art and professional photography in general. Before your session, try to have a good idea of how you are going to display your images, so your photographer can help meet your needs. And don't keep your finished photos languishing on disc or print off a dinky 4x6. You are investing in art, so treat your images as such!

This canvas was ordered through one of my trusted professional labs — the quality of ordering through a true pro lab that caters to photographers is undeniable. Please don't snap up a WagJag deal or go to your local Walmart. You have made the investment in professional photography — don't ruin it on poor-quality printing.

And when it comes to choosing images, don't feel compelled to pick the ones that are the best technically. This image of Chloe isn't the best work I've ever done — I had half a second to capture it before she gobbled up that cookie and some of the highlights are blown out. But it makes me smile every single day. Images that elicit an emotional reaction are the ones you will get the most enjoyment from day in and day out.

I will have this piece of art to enjoy long after Chloe is gone. It's a sad fact that our canine companions leave us much sooner than they should. It gives me comfort knowing that I'll always have a visual moment to cherish of my most favourite four-legger.

Wags!
~ Stacey

float wraps | product

One of the best parts about researching professional printers is browsing through their catalogues and checking out all the really cool products they offer. One such item that I came across are float wraps, which I had never heard about before. So, of course I had to order one. And it came out so amazing that I'm now offering them to Happy Tails clients!

A float wrap is similar to a gallery wrap canvas — they both add dimension by extending out from the wall. But while gallery wraps are chunkier with a 1.5-inch profile all the way around, a float wrap has a 3/4-inch thick block on the back for mounting. This makes your art appear to be floating on the wall and puts all the focus on the image. The print itself is protected with laminate and padding is added between the print and masonite backing to add depth and create a raised, elegant look.

It is a unique way to display your images and how cool would it look to have several of these hung in a grouping? So fun. And Chloe approves too!

Float wraps are available in a variety of sizes — from 11x14 to 20x30. If you aren't sure what size is best, check back soon for a post on artwork and how to choose the correct size.

custom photo books | products

I'm excited to share that I'm now offering amazing products for clients! I did A LOT of research — I looked into various professional labs and got test prints done to make sure they were of the highest quality. Then I decided which products I wanted to offer — I wanted to make sure the items I chose were interesting, varied and really showcased the images. Of course I had to order samples of each product — how can I offer something that I haven't seen myself? I can say that everything I've received is amazing. The quality is top-notch and each product is a piece of art that I'm proud is coming out of the Happy Tails studio.

First I'm going to share my photo books. I LOVE photo books. They are the best option to display a variety of images and if designed well, they can really tell a story. I design each book from scratch so they are completely customized for each session. The front and back covers, even the spine is completely custom, so no detail is left out.   

Black front and end pages speak to the upscale quality of these books.

I offer solid hardcover books printed on heavyweight, hinged, semi-gloss paper. The hinged paper allows open pages to lay flat, which means there is no middle gutter for images to get lost in — each one is on full display in all its tail-wagging glory!
I prefer an uncluttered look, so each photo can really be appreciated. And look at the amazing full-spread images! As I mentioned above, the paper is thicker than your average photo book for added durability. This means your book will still be in great shape after many, many flips through it.

The printing quality really is stunning. Just look at Elly's eyes — hello gorgeous! So life-like.

I'm currently offering these photo books in 8x8, 10x10 and 12x12 sizes. I hope they provide clients with years of happy memories!