City Escapes Nature Photography: City Escapes Photography Newsletter

CITY ESCAPES

Nature Photography, LLC

Newsletter

February, 2010

Choosing the Proper-Sized Photograph for a Given Wall

You have found THE photograph that you want, and you know just where you want to hang it. The only decision left to make is how large to print it. This can be a surprisingly dismaying question. So, to help you figure it out, here are a few things to consider.

Keep in mind that larger prints not only need more wall space, but also a greater viewing distance. For example, hanging a large picture in a hallway may not give the viewer adequate room to step back and take in the entire image, though it may be fine for examining the details of the work. However, hanging the image at the end of a long hallway just might provide enough space. Conversely, small pictures hung in large spaces often appear to get lost.

Also, larger prints tend to be focal points, drawing the viewer’s attention to themselves and things around them. Is where you want to hang the image the focal point of that space, or will the print be competing with something else? This is one of the reasons you will often see larger prints hung over mantels; the print and the fireplace work together to provide a distinctive focal point to the room.

As a general rule, prints should be no more than 2/3 – 3/4 the width of the furniture below them, and the bottom edge of the frame should sit at least 6 – 8 inches above the furniture. Prints should generally be hung at eye level for the average person. Larger prints on higher walls might need to be hung higher to maintain a sense of balance.

Perhaps the single best thing you can do to help decide how big to make your print is to cut out a paper template in your preferred size and actually attach it to your wall (painter’s tape works well because of its easy-release adhesive). Be sure to include the dimensions of the entire package, including mats and frame, as these can increase substantially the overall dimensions of the piece. Leave the template in place for a few days to get a feel for how the size works on a day-to-day basis. Make adjustments as necessary. And remember, when it comes to decorating, there are no hard and fast rules, only suggestions. What matters most is what looks and feels right to you.

For more suggestions on things to consider when choosing a picture size, see our blog entry “Choosing the Proper-Sized Photograph for a Given Wall” at http://cityescapesphotography.blogspot.com/2010/02/choosing-proper-sized-photograph-for.html

Happy decorating!

February’s Fun Facts

In honor of the renowned meteorologist Punxsutawny Phil and Groundhog Day, a few interesting notes on groundhogs:

· Groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal. They are the largest of fourteen species of marmot.

· They don’t chuck wood, though they do gnaw on tree trunks (and the occasional wooden structure) to keep their teeth, which never stop growing, ground down.

· The average groundhog moves approximately 700 pounds of dirt when constructing its burrow, which can consist of as many as 45 feet of tunneling, several chambers, and anywhere from two to five openings. All of this for a single animal: for the most part, groundhogs are solitary animals.

· They are meticulously clean. They line the floors of their burrows with a “carpet” of leaves, and usually wipe their feet before entering.

· In groundhog country, but haven’t seen a groundhog? Look up; these burrowing animals are also known to climb trees.