Listen to this post:
I friggin’ love aluminum metal prints.
They caught my eye the first time I saw them and I knew they’d be the perfect way to showcase my work as an adventure dog photographer.
In my line of work, there are few more rewarding moments than creating that one epic shot, the moment where I see the pure power of a dog, the way a dog experiences the world.
Your dog might be posed on a rock overlooking the beautiful Palouse, bounding down a forested trail, sitting on the front of your kayak or swimming in a glacier lake of North Idaho.
These moments remind us of the joy our dogs bring to our lives and deserve a place of honor on the walls of our homes.
And aluminum metal prints are the way to go.
A modern way to showcase your adventures with your dog
I don’t hate canvas. I’ve had plenty of clients request their artwork on this classic format.
I do kinda hate traditional paper. Typically framed and hidden behind a sheet of glass, paper to me is dull and uninspired.
Aluminum metal prints are the thing for me, the best way I can think to print your adventure dog portraits. Dyes are infused directly onto specially coated aluminum sheets, creating a vibrant, long-lasting image that appears to float off the wall.
The print is striking and durable … it can even take a slight bang or two when you’re mounting it on the wall, but that might be personal experience with my own prints of Bella. I don’t recommend intentionally trying it.
Let’s dig into the benefits of aluminum prints:
1. Vibrant colors
The dye-sublimation process ensures the colors on your print are rich and lifelike. The blues seem bluer and the greens greener.
2. High definition
Aluminum metal prints are great for showing off detail in high definition. Like the fine strands of your dog’s fur, or every droplet of water in a shake photo. You’ll see stunning detail … pair that with the unreal ability of my Nikon Z9 to get that detail in camera and wabang! We’re talking some serious high def.
3. Longevity
Aluminum prints are resistant to water, scratches and fading, which means they withstand the test of time even in challenging environments. You certainly don’t have to worry about the increasing number of humid days in the Inland Northwest warping your print … ain’t gonna happen with metal.
4. Versatility and customization
Aluminum prints come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I do lean toward traditional shapes – the way I shoot doesn’t always work for round prints. Just make sure to ask me about doing a panorama on your dog’s adventure session and we’ll be best friends.
5. Mounting and display options
I make sure your print has the sturdiest option for hanging your metal print on the wall. The gallery hanging mounts I typically choose lift your print right off the wall, immediately engaging your friends and family when they walk into the room. Float frames or standout frames are another cool way to display the photos from your dog’s outdoor adventures.
6. Sleek and modern aesthetic
Much like canvas prints, aluminum prints can complement any décor. The thin profile and frameless design present a clean, contemporary look that allows your prints to take center stage in any room of your home.
Where to hang your metal prints
The lab where I have my metals printed from your dog’s adventure session offers three finishes: high gloss, semigloss and matte.
It is crucial to consider the lighting conditions and the type of ambience you want to create in each room where you might hang your prints.
Here’s how the different finishes shake out:
High gloss: These prints