Your photos are even more powerful than you realize. Here are three proven ways they can improve your well-being if you see them regularly.
3 WAYS YOUR PHOTOS IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING
We’ve all experienced the joys of photography. But did you know that your photos are literally good for you? From personal experience, and plenty of scientific research, we know that it’s not just the taking of photos that is good for us. What we do with those amazing photos once we’re home determines how they affect our happiness and our well-being.
Unlike photos on a computer or phone, photos on the wall are part of your physical environment. This means you interact with them more way more often. Here are three reasons that’s a really good thing.
1. Your Photos Make You More Optimistic
Believe it or not, your photos can make you feel more optimistic. How do they do that? Researchers have found that photos are especially good at triggering powerful nostalgic thoughts . Not only are you remembering good times past, you’re also subconsciously building a more positive outlook about the future. Do your photos remind you of a great vacation, special memories with family and friends or simply a great day out shooting photos? Look at them regularly and you’ll get a boost of positivity that will improve your outlook on the future.
2. Your Photos Raise Your Self-Esteem
Seeing photos that remind you of positive past events and experiences benefit you by raising your self-esteem and confidence. While people sometimes think of nostalgia as remembering something that happened a long time ago, perhaps when they were children, the benefit of remembering positive life experiences isn’t limited to a specific era. By looking at your photos you’re reminding yourself of what you are capable of, what you’ve achieved and how you’re growing as a photographer. And that’s a very good thing!
3. Your Photos Strengthen Your Relationships
Your photos can make your relationships even stronger. Having photos on the wall makes is more likely that you’ll share your stories with the real people around you. Research has found that “savoring experiences together” is good because it builds trust and prosocial orientation.
Unlike digital photos, an amazing, large photo print is part of your home, right in front of you and anyone who comes to visit. By hanging your photos on the wall, you are more likely to share the stories behind them with family and friends and this sharing will make your relationships stronger.
Not only has the positive effect of sharing experiences been documented with people who know each other, it has also been found with stranger. For example, by hanging wall prints at work and sharing stories about them, your photos can help you build a rapport with colleagues and customers you don’t yet know. No matter where you hang your wall prints, you can use them to strengthen your relationships and your well-being.
Expert tips to get your photos on the wall
Transform your amazing digital photos into real photo prints that will improve your well-being!
How to Choose Your Best Photo for Printing > Read here
With Xpozer, you can hang your beautiful photos on the wall in minutes, and change them whenever you want thanks to the Xpozer reusable frame. Learn more and start experiencing your photos as they’re meant to be seen – big and in your daily life. www.xpozer.com
It’s essential to save your photo in its optimal state for large-size printing because that can really influence the photo print’s quality. Here at Xpozer we print thousands of large photo prints per year and have poured all our knowledge and experience into these step-by-step instructions for you.
HOW TO SAVE PHOTOS FOR LARGE-SIZE PRINTING
Please note: These steps are for photographers that want the absolute highest quality photo print. Simply saving your photo in a good file format at maximum resolution is usually sufficient for a good photo print. If you want to do it expertly, read on!
Step 1: Choose the right file format
Many photographers shoot and edit in RAW. This is a recommended file format because it permits you to more easily adjust your photos without negatively affecting the quality of the photo. However, RAW is not a file format that can be used for printing.
When you’ve finished editing your photo, we recommend that you save it in the JPG file format and submit that format for printing. As a JPG file, your photo is saved in the maximum quality that a printer can process.
While a photo saved as a TIFF file technically has more color channels and is often a larger file, we know from experience that it doesn’t result in a higher quality print. The difference between a print from a JPG or a TIFF file is not visible to the naked eye but only in file size. It’s better to save photos as a JPG file for photo wall prints.
If your photo print includes vector-based designs (text, logos, drawings, etc.), we recommend that the image be saved as a PDF file.
In Photoshop you can choose your desired file format by going to File > Save As. Then you can select the file format from a dropdown menu. In Lightroom, when you select File > Export, you’ll be given a complete list of file format options and can choose your preferred format.
Above are the options when saving a photo in Lightroom.
Step 2: Choose your color space
When saving your photo, you can also set your preferred color spaces. Different spaces offer different levels of color saturation. The most well-known color spaces are RGB (which has multiple variations) and CMYK.
For photo wall prints, we highly recommend saving your photo in the sRGB color space. sRGB offers a wider range of colors, or a wider gamut, than CMYK. This means that the color saturation will be better and your wall print will capture all of the color nuances included in your photo.
The difference between AdobeRGB and sRGB is nearly invisible in a printed photo. However, because AdobeRGB is not readable by many monitors, internet browsers and printers, we strongly suggest you save your photos in the sRGB color space. (Luckily, if you order a wall print from Xpozer and use the AdobeRGB color space, it’s not a problem! Our monitors and printers can read both color spaces.)
Color spaces can be a complex subject. If you want to know more, read this blog about the differences between RGB and CMYK at Fotolia.
Step 3: Save in the maximum resolution
While the file type and color space are important when saving your photo, the resolution is even more important when printing a photo for your wall. In Photoshop always choose to save your photo at the maximum quality and file size. It would be a shame to print your stunning photo at anything less than maximum quality. ????
In Lightroom, under ‘Image Sizing’ select the size of photo you’d like to print (for example a 36″ X 24″ wall print). Always choose the maximum number of ppi or dpi.
Step 4: Sharpening through paper type
If you want to print an absolutely perfect wall print, you may want to select the type of paper on which you’ll print. Certain types of paper record the details of your photo better than others. By selecting the paper type in the settings you use to save your photo, you can create maximum sharpness in your photo. The paper type can be set in Lightroom under ‘Output Sharpening.’
Are you transforming your digital photo into an Xpozer wall print? If so, when exporting your photo choose the ‘Matte Paper’ option under the ‘Output Sharpening’ settings and set the amount to ‘High.’ Xpozer photo prints are printed on our matte, custom-made Vivid Satin photo material.
Above you see an overview of the preferred settings for exporting in Lightroom.
More large-size printing tips
Learn more about how to transform your amazing digital photos into real photo prints with our other articles:
How to Choose Your Best Photo for Printing > Read here
How to Check Your Photo’s Resolution Before Printing > Read here
Understanding Photo Ratios (and How to Choose One) > Read here
Ready to print your photos?
With Xpozer, you can hang your beautiful photos on the wall in minutes, and change them whenever you want thanks to the Xpozer reusable frame. Learn more and start experiencing your photos as they’re meant to be seen – big and in your daily life. www.xpozer.com
Photos have the power to transform your interior, but it’s not always easy to know which sizes are best for which space. To create this tip, we’ve condensed the advice of thousands of customers and interior design specialists, who have used Xpozer to transform their spaces.
WHERE TO HANG PHOTOS IN YOUR HOME (and the sizes that look best)
General advice…
There are standard photo sizes used by most photo printers. Some are small(think: photo book), some are medium(think: framed print), and some are huge(like Xpozer’s wall prints). For an overview of available sizes, consult a printer’s website or visit Xpozer’s list of print sizes.
Creating a spacious effect
Our secret rule of thumb is to always choose a wall print that is AT LEAST 2/3 the size of the furniture above which it will hang(couch, table, cupboard, bed, etc.). If you’re hanging your photo on an empty wall, you can go even bigger. We recommend at least 30″, but of course it’s up to you!
So grab your tape measure, keep the photos you selected in mind, and let’s get started!
Where Photo Prints Look Great:
1. Above the couch
Your couch has a central spot in your living space, which makes it perfect location for showing off your wall-worthy photos. To create a spacious effect, choose a print width that is at least 2/3 the length of your couch. In general, this means your print should be at least 40″(approx. 100 cm) wide.
A photo print with an aspect ratio of 3:2 will look great above most couches. If you want a print with less height, consider a panorama print or several same-sized smaller prints in a row.
A large panorama looks great above couch.
2. Above the dining table
You do a lot of living around your dining table and a wall print can make that space even better! Wall prints that are at least 2/3 the length of the table will bring new energy to your dining area.
Use your table’s dimensions to choose the right photo size for that space.
3. Above the bed
A large photo above your bed can instantly create the atmosphere you want for this intimate space. Choose a print size that is 2/3 the width of your bed, generally with a minimum width of 45″ (approximately 120 cm). With a photo subject and color palette that fit the feeling of your bedroom, you make it your personal sanctuary.
Create the perfect atmosphere with a beautiful photo print above your bed.
4. In the hallway or staircase
To create a roomy feeling in your hallway or staircase, I suggest hanging several smaller-sized wall prints. Not only will your space feel bigger, but you’ll be able to show off more than one great photo. Choose photos with a common color or theme to create a simple, modern look.
Hang multiple photos in the hall or staircase to create a spacious effect.
5. In the kitchen
Photo walls print can add real spice to your kitchen! Above the counter or on a bare wall, choose prints that fit the space you have and complement the colors of your kitchen.
Add spice to your kitchen with photo prints!
Do it yourself!
Still not sure which size wall print will look best? We’ve been there, too. You can overcome size uncertainty by making mock photo prints in different sizes and testing them out on the wall.
Cut newspaper or trash bags into standard photo print wall sizes and tap. By using standard sizes, you’ll be choosing between photo print sizes that are easy to order online. (Look here for a list of Xpozer’s standard sizes.)
This easy DIY tip will instantly help you visualize the photo size that best fits your space.
Use a newspaper or garbage bag to help you decide the right size.
Learn from others
For an excellent idea of how other photographers have hung photos in their homes, check out the Xpozer Instagram and Facebook pages. Of course, you need to choose the size that fits best in your particular space, but these examples from real Xpozer fans are sure to inspire!
It’s exciting to choose a wall print size and to decide where you’ll hang it – have fun!(To make it even easier, click here for a complete overview of Xpozer’s standard photo wall print sizes.)
The ratio of your photo can affect its composition and how it looks on your wall. We’ll walk you through everything to consider as you decide on the right ration for the print you want to hang in your home.
Understanding Photo Ratios (and How to Choose One)
To choose the right size for your photo print, you need to consider the ratio of your photo and the ratio of the print you want to hang. You don’t want to accidentally select a ratio that will require cropping from the sides of your perfect photo!
The photo’s ratio is the relationship between the width and height of your image, which is numerically expressed with two numbers, for example a ratio of 3:2. The number in front of the colon is the width of the photo and the number after the colon is the height of the photo. The most common image ratios are 3:2 (or 2:3 if hung vertically) and 4:3 (vertically 3:4).
Below you’ll see how the 3:2 ratio creates a photo that is slightly longer and shorter than the 4:3 photo ratio. This can have a significant impact on the photo itself, which is obvious in the images below. With the 4:3 ratio, part of the bird’s beak is cropped away, changing the power of the image.
Above you can see the difference between a 3:2 and a 4:3 photo ratio. Photo: Gustav Kiburg
Selecting the right ratio for you photo wall print is so important because crucial elements in your photo may be cropped to fit the ratio (as you see with the bird’s beak).
Your camera shoots photos with a specific ratio. When you choose to print at a different ratio, then the original photo will need to be cropped either horizontally or vertically. This means that an important part of your photo may be lost.
How to check the ratio of your photo
Option 1 – Check your camera
The ratio of your photo depends on your camera’s sensor. Often you can determine the right ratio for printing simply based on the type of camera you have. Full-frame and APS-C camera’s shoot in a 3:2 ratio while compact cameras shoot more often in a 4:3 ratio. Photos taken with a smartphone often have either a 4:3 or a 16:9 ratio. Here’s a table with the most common photo ratios by camera type and where each ratio will look great in your home. Useful!????
Option 2 – Test in Photoshop
You can also easily check the ratio of your photo in Photoshop by using the Crop Tool. Follow these simple steps:
Open your photo in Photoshop
Select the Crop Tool
Select Ratio
Test different ratios! Start with the most common ratios of 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 and 5:4.
If the Crop frame captures almost your whole photo, you know you’ve found the right ratio!
Prefer a square or panorama photo wall print? Cropping your photo to fit a different ratio is easy! For a square photo, crop your photo to fit a 1:1 ratio. For a panorama photo, crop your photo to one of these ratios: 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1.
Use the Crop Tool to easily check your photo’s ratio.
Option 3 – Calculate the ratio using your photo’s resolution
You can also calculate the ratio of your photo using the photo’s resolution. Easily find the resolution of your photo on a Window’s computer by right-clicking on the photo file and then scrolling down to Properties (on a Mac scroll down to “Get Info”). Under Details (“More Info” on a Mac) you’ll see the photo’s size in pixels. Check the article How to Check Your Photo’s Resolution Before Printingfor a more detailed explanation. ????
To calculate the ratio of your photo start by dividing its width (in pixels) by its height (in pixels). If the total is not a whole number (also called an integer), multiply it by another number until it is. These two numbers (the number you used to multiply it and the final total) are the ratio of the photo.
Example 1:
Your photo is 4966px by 3312px
Divide 4966 by 3312 = 1.5
Multiply 1.5 by 2 to get a whole number (1.5 X 2= 3)
Your photo’s ratio is 3:2
Example 2:
Your photo is 4416 x 3312 px
4416 divided by 3312 = 1.3
Multiply 1.3 by 3 to get close to a whole number(1.3 x 3= approx. 4)
Your photo’s ratio is 4:3
Is your photo ready for printing?
Check out all the photo ratios and sizes available at Xpozer.com. With an Xpozer 4-Pack you’ll experience your photography as never before!
This post will help you make sure your photo’s resolution is large enough to become the stunning wall print you want to hang in your home.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR PHOTO’S RESOLUTION BEFORE PRINTING
Photos on the wall are different than photos on a digital screen or printed in a small format because they are:
Physically larger – Photo wall prints are simply bigger than photos on your screen or in a photo book. This means that large photo prints require photos with more pixels per inch (ppi) than smaller photo prints.
Viewed from farther away – Most likely, you don’t stand close enough to lick your wall prints. You admire view them from at least several feet away. Because the distance between your eye and a wall print is greater than between your eye and a photo book, for example, the resolution between these print sizes can also differ. Wall prints often look great at resolutions lower than those needed smaller photo prints.
Step 1. Always shoot using the highest resolution
Before you start shooting, double-check your camera’s settings to be sure your photos will be saved at the maximum resolution. It’s always possible to re-save your photos in a lower resolution later(if you want to share them online, for example). But if it’s very hard to turn a low-resolution photo into a quality wall print. So shoot using the highest resolution possible – it will save you much grief later!
Choose maximum photo resolution in your camera’s settings.
Step 2. Check your camera’s megapixels
Every camera has a certain number of megapixels. Cameras with more megapixels shoot higher resolution photos. The higher the resolution, the larger a photo can be printed.
Many smart phones have cameras with 12+ megapixels and SLR cameras have even more(sometimes much, much more). In general, even cameras with 8+ megapixels can shoot photos that will look great as 24″ X 36″ wall prints. To make larger, high-quality wall photo prints, you’ll need a camera with more than 8 megapixels.
If your camera has 8 megapixels or more, rest easy – you’ll be able to print a stunning wall print!
Step 3. Check the width and height of your photo in pixels
A photo’s resolution is measured in pixels(not inches or centimeters). To check a photo’s resolution, you will need to check the width and height of your photo in pixels. This information is saved in the photo’s data file.
Do you use Photoshop? If so, open the photo in Photoshop and click on Image > Image Size. Make sure the photo’s width and height are set to pixels(not inches, centimeters, millimeters, etc.) This will show you the width and height of the photo in pixels.
One way to check your pixels is with Image Size in Photoshop
If you don’t use Photoshop, no problem! On a PC you can get this information by right-clicking on the photo, scrolling down to Properties, and checking under Details for the photo size in pixels. On a Mac, when you command-click on the photo, scroll down and click on Get Info. Under More Info you’ll find the number of pixels. It’s as easy as that!
Once you have this information, you can use it to check the maximum print size for that photo.
Step 4. Calculate the maximum print size based on the photo’s pixels
While small printed photos are generally printed at 300 pixels per inch(ppi), for larger prints(like wall prints), there’s more wiggle room in the number of pixels needed because of the distance at which they will be viewed.(We’re assuming you will stand at least 12 inches from your wall print when admiring it!)
Fun fact: Billboards are often printed at resolutions as low as 12-15 ppi! Because they’re viewed from far away, they still look great even though the resolution isn’t very high. The same principle applies to large wall prints.
For photo prints that are 24″ by 36″ or larger, Xpozer recommends a minimum of 80 ppi.
This photo has a 99 ppi resolution so it is big enough for a 60″ x 40″ wall print.
With Photoshop you can easily check if your photo can be printed at the size you want. Follow these quick steps:
Go to Image > Image Size
For Width and Height, choose Inches(not pixels this time)
Unclick the“Resample” box
Fill in the width and height(in inches) for the desired print size(ex: 40″ x 60″)
Check the resolution number(it will adjust automatically based on the width and height you put in). If the resolution is higher than 80 ppi, then your photo has a resolution that’s good enough for quality print at the size you want!
Always double-check your entire photo at 100% size.
Don’t use Photoshop? This handy chart shows how big a photo you can print based on your camera’s megapixels(assuming that you shoot at maximum resolution).
Checking your photo’s resolution is an essential part going from digital photo to perfect wall print. By using the above tips, you can be sure that your photo’s resolution is high enough for the big photo print you want in your home.Check out Xpozer’s large selection of photo print sizes to get an idea of how big a photo print you want to hang in your home.
We know it’s not always easy to find the time to actually print your photos, even though you really want to(and doing so is literally good for you). So we want to help! This tip will help you wade through the hundreds of photos you have saved and select the ones that will make your day better as prints on the wall.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BEST PHOTO FOR PRINTING
Before you begin, backup!
Most likely you’ve taken many photos in the last few weeks and months, capturing memorable moments you don’t want to forget. You don’t want to accidentally lose these photos if your computer crashes, if your camera is stolen or if your dog eats your SD card! ????
Create a backup of your precious photos by saving them in several locations: on your computer, in the cloud(via Dropbox or Google Photo, for example) and/or on an external hard drive. Read this article for more detailed instructions on how to do this.
Choose your best photo in 6 steps:
Step 1: Get rid of the photo fails(5 min)
Blurry photos, photos with a hand in the way, where people are strangely positioned… With maybe the exception of really funny photo fails, you won’t be printing any of these. Delete them!
Step 2: Make quick a first selection(5 min)
After deleting your photo fails, you may still have hundreds of photos. By making a first selection you’ll be able to quickly focus on the photos that are worth considering for a wall print.
I use Lightroom for my first selection, rating each image with 1 to 5 stars. Check out this video by Adobe for more detail.
You can also keep it simple by making a new folder on your computer(named:“Wall Print Photo Options” for example) and dragging in all the photos that make it through your first selection.
Step 3: Look at the composition (5 min)
Photos with a good composition make the best wall prints. Go through your selected photos and choose photos that follow the basic composition tips(rule of thirds, balancing elements, etc). Read this article for a quick refresher on best composition tips.
Step 4: Consider the colors in your interior and in your photos(5 min)
Most of the time, I choose photos with colors that complement the colors in the space where I want to hang them. But if your interior has more understated colors, you could give it a color boost with a bright photo(and vice versa). Include these photos in your final selection.
Tip: Take a photo of your interior and Photoshop your selected photos above the furniture where they will hang to get an idea of how it will look!
The photo’s colors compliment the colors of the interior.
Step 5: Choose your sharpest photo (5 min)
Do you have more than one photo of the same subject? Always choose the most sharp one and double check its sharpness by looking at it at 100% size.
Step 6: Choose the photo that inspires you! (1 min)
What matters most is how you feel when you look at a photo, not how perfect it is. Choose the photo that makes you the most happy!
Choose a photo that recalls positive memories.
Congratulations! You know how to back up your photos, make a selection and are well on your way to creating a beautiful wall photo print. Keep going and soon you’ll be experiencing your photos as never before.
This photo has a 99 ppi resolution so it is big enough for a 60″ x 40″ wall print.
