Things to look out for before printing

When we think of printing, it sounds like the printer will do everything for you. But, there are couple of things to look out for or consider before printing to make sure the final results will meet your expectations.

1. Always check the resolution of an image before printing. 

DPI or Dots Per Inch is very critical to the quality of the prints. The term stands for how many dots are in one square inch, so higher dpi results clean and crisp image. If you try to print a low resolution image, it will look blurry or pixelated especially if you print it on a large scale.

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2. Check the color mode of the image.

There are two types of color mode used when displaying an image.

1. RGB - RGB is a spectrum of colored lights - involving Red, Green and Blue - that is used on screens to display colors. RGB has much larger gamut than CMYK(ink) which can portray millions of colors that CMYK cannot produce. RGB colors are known as additive because the palette starts from black and as the colors are added the result is lighter with the white being the very end of the palette. So, if your work is to be presented on a screen, you should be working in RGB.

2. CMYK - CMYK is a spectrum of colored inks - involving Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black - that is used in printing. CMYK has limited gamut compared to RGB. CMYK colors are known as subtractive because the palette starts from white and as the colors are added, the palette is gradually gets darker until it reaches black. Unlike RGB that is based on colored lights, the colors we see with inks are coming from their absorbing and reflecting certain wavelength of lights.
So, if you are going to print an image, it is best to change the mode into CMYK to have the best accuracy between what you see on the screen and what you see on the print.

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But hold on! Because you are planning to print an image, it shouldn't lead you to work in CMYK mode from the start. The reason is because CMYK has such limited color gamut, you will have to work within such small area, however, RGB has much larger gamut which can produce vibrant and strong colors which will let you to work in much larger spectrum. When you print, the drivers will convert from RGB to CMYK accordingly to match the colors as closest as possible. You can color proof if you are using Adobe products to see the printed version on the screen which will help you to decide on colors and how the printer will process the image.

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3. Consider the type of paper.

There are many types of papers for printing. Some are matte, glossy, or even textured. Depending on the paper, the presentation will have different effects. Also if you are printing at home, you should know the types of papers your printer can handle. If you try to force printing with a paper that the printer doesn't accept, the result may not be good or even break your printer. Well known printing brands such as Epson and Canon provide their own line of quality papers which allows easier production for those who are looking to print at home.



Other ways you can print is by sending your work to professional print studios as they will have proper equipments and professionals who will do everything for you. Consider visiting different studios and ask for color samples to find the perfect palette you are looking for because each studio may have different printing profiles which will have slight variations of colors.

If you are planning to take your work to a print studio, come over to www.canadaoncanvas.com as the studio offers great products in great quality.

Guidelines for photo taking

        The weather is getting warmer, and sunshine is filling over the earth. You glance out the window and decides to find some good places to get some sunshine with your friends and families. You bring your camera to embrace the new season and start recording your loved ones outside as they enjoy the weather.

But wait! You remember that you are horrible at taking photos. You are the person who doesn't know what to do when someone asks to take a photo for them, or hurriedly leave the site as soon as you return the camera.

But do not worry! This post is for those who want to overcome such struggles and take photos freely without any fear or shame.


Rule of thirds

If you don't know where to start, always remember the rule of thirds. It is the most well known principle which states divide an image into 9 equal parts using a grid and place the important elements on any intersection point or along the lines to give the image more balanced and natural composition. If you have been placing your subject in the center, try this rule and you will see it creates more balance in your image.


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Golden hour

Remember the golden hour! Shortly after sunrise or before sunset is an amazing time to take photos. The reason is when the sun is near the horizon, the light travels in greater depth of atmosphere which reduces the intensity of direct light but increases the illumination of indirect light from the sky. The light becomes more redder and softer that will create a beautiful effect over your images.


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Be aware of the light

Following to the prior point, always be aware of where the light is coming from. Use the light to guide the eyes of the viewer. Also, using shade and shadow are another way to add more depth in the subject.


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Perspective

Explore different perspectives. Instead of taking photos from an eye level, try to find interesting angles such as from above, from below, or giving different angles on the subject will create unique and exciting composition. Same subject can look intriguing when you it's viewed at a different angle.



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Watch your back! - background

Be aware of what is in the background and focus on the subject of your photograph. If the background has too many details or other elements scattered around, they conflict with the subject of your image and the viewer will likely lose the focus on the subject. Rather, focus on the subject and try to find a simple background that will draw the attention to your subject and avoid unnecessary distractions.

       Also play with the space behind the subject. Use the negative space to embrace the subject that will naturally create energy and tension - a good tension. Often people disregard the negative space, but it can make your subject much exciting and dynamic if used properly.


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Take a deep breath and relax

Sometimes it can be very intense while you are taking a photo, but it is important to relax when you are taking photos, as you'll know better the right time to take the photo and the results will look more natural.

Don't look too close through your lens

Try to avoid zooming in as it compromises the quality of the image. Instead, you can crop the image in the editing process or get closer to the subject.

Where you live is full of patterns and colours if you look carefully

Every place is filled with patterns and colours. Discover interesting patterns to enrich your subject, or find contrasting colours to make your subject pop out. Your subject might be wearing a bright red shirt, and you find a dark blue wall. If the subject stands before the wall, the photo would look much more energetic compared to just standing in front of a general red-brick wall.


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Get a proper grip

Whatever your position may be, you want to have a firm grip on your camera if you are expecting a clean and crisp photo. Usually left hand supports the side of the camera (for small digital cameras) or the bottom of the lens (large cameras including dslr) and right hand holds the body while pressing the shutter. Also, have your elbows close to the body that shaking of your hands are minimized. In these days, the cameras come with a stabilization function which makes your photo life much easier.

You are the maestro

Design and direct where or how your photo want to look. You can direct the subject (for some cases) to pose or move to create more dynamic energy that will interact with the viewers. It can be funny, serious, funky, stylish, or other ways you want to take your photo.

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Take many photos as much as you can

Even though you understand all the guidelines above, you won't be able to capture all of them with couple clicks on your camera shutter. You must be willing to take many photos wherever you go, and you will learn and find a way to capture the moments with your colour through the lens. Always explore and experiment with approaching a subject and discover new ways to embrace them.


These guidelines are not rules, but to help you to take better photos. So be free, since these rules are to be broken. Take challenges and build your own.

And after many trials and errors, when you find a great photograph and want to build a hall of your moments, come and visit www.canadaoncanvas.com to print and frame them. They will make your hall much brighter.