5 Tips for Displaying Your Portraits - Photographer Columbia Missouri

Whether you ordered a handful of prints or a jumbo sized 30x40, deciding how to hang your prints and where to hang them can be the most daunting part of having your portraits done. Here are a few tips to make sure you have the perfect display!

1 – The Sun is the Enemy

Nothing will ruin your beautiful portrait faster than being in direct sunlight. Assuming that you will display your portraits indoors, or course. If your windows make a distinct patch across the wall, you'll want to avoid that area. Choose a wall that has indirect sunlight so your portrait doesn't fade.

2 – Hang at Eye Level or Slightly Above

You should be able to stand back from your portrait and view it comfortably without needing to look up or down dramatically. This varies according to height, but if you're of average height you can use this rule of thumb.

3 – Go Big or Collage

This is the cardinal rule of hanging prints- you should be able to view the expression on the subject's face without difficulty. A print that is too small for the wall it is on just looks dinky. If you plan to put the print on a wall alone, a 16x24 or larger is what I recommend. This will make your image a statement piece that guests will comment on as they walk through your home. If you can't go big, arrange a group of prints or canvases to adequately fill the space, or display them on tables and bookcases that are easy for guests to walk up to.

4 – Display in an Area that Compliments the Image

If you have a bright red wall, hanging a large image with a lot of greenery isn't going to look all that great. Unless it's Christmas... then I'm game for red and green everything! This is less of a problem now that neutral colors are in style for homes, but if you like bold colors on your walls, plan your portraits accordingly!

5 – HANG THEM!

So many clients get their images home and lean them against the wall, waiting for the perfect spot to present itself. Don't fear the nail. Get the print up and on the wall and never look back. Worst case scenario you move it, big deal! You invested in these portraits - put them up and enjoy them!