Bigger is Better {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from clients after they see their proofing gallery is what size prints they should get. Then they ask how to put multiple photos together. Here are (hopefully) a few answers to get you going in the right direction!

Below are two of the same photos (duh). On the right is the standard "oh, I think it's big enough I don't need anything bigger than that" 8x10 size. On the left is the next size up, an 11x14. More like a "Wow! That's my baby and he looks beautiful and I really want to showcase him" kind of size.

I've discovered throughout this journey of mine that an 8x10 just doesn't do justice to great photography, and I encourage you to step out of that comfort zone and go just a little bit bigger, and notice a pretty dramatic difference.

As for the smaller prints, you may notice that I recently removed the option to purchase a la carte 4x6's. I feel so strongly about my photography being artwork that deserves to be seen that I just don't feel comfortable selling prints that are going to be put away and get lost in an album. Don't worry: you still have the option to purchase 4x6 proof books or image boxes with all your images included, but if you've come this far and spent the time and money on a session, then you deserve to see these photos how they are meant to be! (You also have the option to sit down with me and custom design a photo book to have all your images be put together in a beautiful keepsake book).

Yes, I practice what I preach. Here is an 11x14 framed and matted to a 16x20 size, surrounded by small framed 5x7's. My house has a serious lack of surface area, so all my photos go on the walls rather than on a mantle or table.

If you're thinking of taking the next step from good size to awesome size, give some thought to canvas. We can certainly make large prints in the same sizes, but with canvas you receive a piece of artwork that is mounted and ready to hang on the wall with no framing needed. When you look at it that way, the price is pretty similar to purchasing a larger print and a frame to go with it.

Here is a great layout for above the couch (yes, that's my poor weiner dog in her spot on the couch - she never moves...) This is a 24x30 canvas (on a standard 1 1/2" frame) in the center, with 20x24's on either side (beautiful photography of my family courtesy of Amy Shertzer Photography - thank you!)

In my studio space, I have a similar layout with a 25x30 canvas in the center. On the sides are a thin mount 8x16 canvas (3/4" frame rather than the 1 1/2") and 16" square float wraps.

Since my house is so random and weird, I have a few of the smaller prints around the house, too. In the center here is an 10x16 with 8x12's on either side. These are the styrene mounted wall art, which I mount directly to the wall without framing. To the left is a 16x20 standout mount, and on the right is an 11x16 thin mount canvas.

There are SO many options, so many choices. I'm more than happy to show you samples of everything and sit down with you to come up with solutions that are perfect for your family, for your house, for your style.