Your Photos On Canvas

Before you choose your favorite candid digital snapshot and order a picture to canvas enlargement, consider pretending you're a professional photographer and shoot a picture especially set up to create a knockout finished photo to canvas work of art.

Having your best holiday photo made into an enlargement on canvas or having a formal graduation photo made into a portrait on canvas are both fine ways to create a "wall memory album" in your den, office or bedroom. But, how about creating a large work of art that is not only a personal memory but a dramatic design feature for your home or office?

With a little planning and ingenuity and a simple digital camera you can create an exciting decorating focal point for your living space.

Here's just one example, but you should use your imagination to create a photo to canvas enlargement that suits your family's personality and your home décor too.

If you're into sports, pose your family on bicycles in matching jackets and full biking gear on a scenic bike path or with a favorite picnic or camping spot in the background. Pick an activity or special occasion that represents your family's spirit and togetherness. A unifying prop such as matching T-shirts, hats - or even an ice cream cone in each hand - can add color and interest.

The best time for your "photo shoot" is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead, and a hazy or partly cloudy day can be ideal for outdoor shots of several subjects.

Posing doesn't mean lining everybody up to stare into the camera. Have your subjects move around - very slowly - interacting with one another, pointing out objects of interest (maybe a squirrel or the family dog). Every few seconds you say, "Freeze" and they hesitate and you shoot.

Be sure your camera is set for outdoor groups and use the "sports" or "action" setting if there is one. Choose an interesting or colorful background (trees, lake, mountains) but fill your viewing screen with your subjects so the background does not overwhelm them.

Encourage your subjects to tilt their heads slightly upwards to avoid shadows on their faces. If the group is small and you are within six feet of them use your flash to fill in shadows. This can be especially effective to highlight facial features and details when the sun is overhead or behind your subjects.

Take lots of photographs. If your subjects start to get bored ask them to sing a song or recite a poem. Don't forget to use your camera's timer and get yourself in the photo, too.

After you choose the best shot and upload it to your favorite photo to canvas gallery website pick an enlargement size to match the wall where the finished work will hang. If the shot you chose is perfect except for that one person who blinked or moved, you can send in another similar shot and replace just that person's face with the better one. The gallery site editors will assist you if you have questions on how to get the best final photo.

When you receive your finished picture, throw a family party for the official hanging and have fun!