Canvas Photo Prints and the Appeal of Printed Photography

Digital photographs may be a part of everyday life, yet many would rather see and share their photos in person. Putting a digital image on a canvas print turns a digital image into an actual product that can be shared, viewed, and displayed without any electronic device.

Canvas Photo Prints differ from normal prints by adding texture and depth to the digital image that creates added durability. Canvas prints are a favourite for decorative uses and for personal photographs.

What Is a Photo Canvas?

Canvas wall art is a type of photo canvas created by printing a photograph on a piece of canvas and then stretching the canvas over a wooden frame. The result is an extremely lightweight display piece that doesn't need glass or a conventional frame.

Canvas absorbs the ink differently than photo papers do. Canvas will have a more muted finish than a glossy finish on photo paper, which will result in an overall softer look that will have much less glare in brightly lit spaces.

Why Canvas Prints Look Different from Paper Prints

When comparing Paper Prints to Canvas Prints the key difference between these two mediums is Surfaces & Textures.

Canvas print has a textured weave which softens certain fine detail elements. So, although the sharp details with Canvas Print may not be as sharp as a traditional high-gloss photo paper, it provides more depth and character to the finished image as well as a different artistic feel. This is especially desirable when displaying Portraits, Landscapes and Artistic Photographs.

Canvas Prints do not show fingerprints or reflections (as easily) as Paper Prints so they are ideal for displaying in Larger Open Spaces.

Image Preparation Matters More with Canvas

Not all images are created equal when it comes to printing on a canvas. In general, images that have a high degree of contrast, balanced lighting, and a clearly defined subject will print well on a textured canvas.

When preparing files for photo canvas printing, image resolution is very important. Larger printed images will have a lower quality if the resolution is low, which will result in pixelation. Also, cropping should take into consideration that the image will have a wrap-around edge that goes around the wooden frame. Parts of the original image may be lost to the wrap-around.

Conclusion

Canvas photo prints blend the two aspects of photography and decor, so they aren't just printed reproductions of digital photographs, but instead are created as tangible materials representing images through the materiality and texture of the canvas itself.

For anyone wanting to put their photos up on their wall as opposed to keeping them digitally on their screens, canvas prints provide a unique mix of practicality, softness in aesthetics, and adaptability for hanging/displaying them.