A Picture for the Wall

A Picture for the Wall

We all like to see a 'good' picture on the wall, but just because a picture maybe 'good' should it be put up on the wall?




I've heard it said, and even said it myself, that 'that's a good picture, it would look good framed and put up on the wall'. Now, you may already be thinking of a particular image you have or would like to have, or more broadly about the type of picture, to have on your wall. It's a fair chance most will be thinking landscape.

I'm looking at this from the point of view as a photographer showing their own work, and as you're reading this I guess that's how you're thinking too. I'm not talking about interior design (which I profess to know little or nothing about) but about personalising your space using your images.
Printers and framing companies would encourage this (of course), and there are a host of presentation options theses days including canvas block prints and acrylic panels.




While choices are entirely personal I want to throw in some thoughts.

Have you considered different types of pictures prints in different rooms. How about seascapes in a bathroom, if that's not a cliché? Then why not one of the local sewage works, at last it'd be relevant (though I've yet to take one myself). Do you want easy viewing or something that evokes a response in your visitors? Are abstract images a good bet? Would monochrome images make a statement? Would they suit a modern and minimalist setting? Maybe you've got, or intend to take, a selection of family portraits and have them placed around the lounge or dining room like a grand country house. A macro image of a caterpillar perhaps wouldn't go down well in the dining room no matter haw excellent it is especially if you're serving salad. How about a peregrine falcon with a freshly killed pigeon? Pictures of demonstrations or hard hitting social documentary images may get a conversation going or perhaps be uncomfortable for those on the political right. What sort of image would you put up in your study?




It's not just physically printed images, the same applies to electronic picture frames. It's a good idea to rotate and change images every now and again to keep things fresh. After all, it's effectively a gallery you have.

So what are you going to put up on your wall today?


All text and images © Keith Rowley 2021