I recently decided to do a quick little design overhaul on my husband’s office space. He started a new job where he would be working from home full time and I knew he needed a peaceful and organized environment that also reflected his style. He loves our pets so I decided to fill the room with photos of them. He loved the concept so I proceeded to have fun decorating!
What I did for the large prints:
I found photos I loved on my iPhone or camera. I used either my camera built-in photo editor OR the free app version of Adobe Lightroom to turn the photos black and white. (I also love the app Hipstamatic for taking and editing photos).
I uploaded the edited photos to the Amazon Photos app and ordered them in a 11”x14” size. They came very quickly and were priced competitively with other companies. I also used my Prime membership to get them shipped free.
I ordered 16”x20” matted frames from Amazon. I ordered 2 black frames and 2 white frames.
When the orders arrived, I put the photos in each frame using some archival tape
My husband used a laser lighted level and measuring tape to make sure we hung them all evenly on the wall. We used drywall anchor screws as the frames were pretty heavy and we didn’t hang them all on a wall stud.
What I did for the small grouping of prints:
To remember our former pets and all the love they gave us, I found photos of them I loved on my phone. I scanned one of the photos using our home scanner and sent it to my phone for editing as it was never digital.
I used my built-in photo editor on my iPhone to turn them black and white
I uploaded them to the Canva app, which is free for many types of uses. I use the paid version, but it’s completely worth it to me. I use it all the time!
I used a standard paper size (8.5”x11”) and added the photos in about a 5”x5” inch size. I used the app to add text “I’ll be there for you” onto each photo. We are huge Friends fans, so this saying goes along with that AND my theory that their spirits will always be with us.
I printed them onto matte photo paper using my home printer and hung them in 8.5”x10” frames I ordered from Amazon (I used a paper cutter to cut the inch off the end of my paper so it would fit in the frame)
I hung them in a grouping of four with small nails, as the frames were very lightweight
Tips for Amazing Pet Photography
I’ve studied Photography since high school, and had a passion for it way before that. I loved it so much, I even got my first college degree in it! As soon as I switched my major to Art and Photography, my grades got better and better and I knew I finally found something I was called to do.
One of my college professors didn’t allow us to take photos of animals. I’m not sure why. Because of that, I never turned in any assignments with animals in the photos BUT I secretly took photos of them in my spare time. Over the years of taking animal photos, I got better and better at animal photography.
Here are some of my tips for taking great shots:
Take A LOT of photos. I always snap quite a few during each session.
Don’t let the session go too long. Pets are like toddlers. Their attention span is very short, so make it short, sweet and to the point.
If you can, have someone else hold a treat behind you and call their name if you are having a tough time getting a good shot. Or, have them hold the pet’s favorite toy. This will get their attention and you can snap away quickly.
You don’t need fancy equipment for great photos. You can get wonderful shots with the camera on your phone IF you hold it still.
Use apps like Adobe Lightroom or Hipstamatic to edit them….have fun with it!
See all the photos of my husband’s office space below!
More of our DIY’s can be found on our YouTube channel, “Carolyn Braden”.
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Designed and executed by Carolyn and Tommy Braden
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