Family Portrait - DIY Using a Photo to Canvas Service

One of the spin offs of the ever-advancing digital photography industry is the proliferation of websites that offer photos on canvas printing services. You can use this convenient service to create your own personal family portrait; one that you will be proud to hang in your home.

You don't have to be a professional photographer. Any relatively new digital camera can be used to take a photograph of sufficiently high resolution to be enlarged and still retain the sharpness and colors of an expensive professional portrait photograph.

By using the editing expertise and cutting edge printing techniques and equipment of a reputable online photo on canvas service you can save hundreds of dollars and still create a portrait that will become a family heirloom.

This is all you have to do:

Choose your subjects and props in advance: Decide beforehand who and what you want in your final portrait. Whether the subject is your three kids frolicking with the family dog or a formally posed anniversary portrait of your parents, it pays to plan ahead and prepare your camera equipment, props (and even snacks) before posing your subjects. Nothing spoils a portrait session quicker than a lot of bored or impatient expressions as a result of waiting in place while you find an extra light, recharge a battery, or decide on poses or backgrounds.

Choose clothing and props for your subjects: Take into consideration where the final portrait will be displayed and choose clothing and props that will complement your background colors. Be sure all clothing is spotlessly clean and put on just before the photo session begins, especially when photographing children, as the camera is ruthless in spotlighting muddy shoes or grubby fingernails.

Choose a background: Decide on a background that is simple and free of objects that may distract the eye from the subjects of the portrait. Sometimes taking the photographs in the same room where the finished portrait will hang creates a "just right" feeling as soon as you hang it. Be sure the background you choose is a location where you will be undisturbed and your subjects will not be distracted.

Shooting: Assemble subjects and props and start shooting. Be sure to take plenty of shots to choose from later and try various camera angles and settings.

Choosing the best shot: Get your subjects involved in helping choose the best results, especially if the portrait is to be a gift for them.

Printing and Framing: Last, but most important for a successful outcome, send your best digital photo to an online photos to canvas gallery website and then just be guided by their directions in choosing the canvas size and type, and framing.