Vision - Blog from Qwik Photo

Plan Ahead for Wedding Photos Worth Printing

Fri, 16 May 2025 17:23:07 GMT

Plan Ahead for Wedding Photos Worth Printing

Beautiful prints begin before the shutter clicks. Here are some things to consider before the big day.

Preplanning your wedding photos assures that you will get the right moments and the important family members – it’s too late the day after. This is commonly referred to as a “shot-list” and is a useful reference tool for your photographer so they know what, when and who you want to capture. Experienced photographers will ask you for such a list and provide suggestions as to what to include.

The photographer is a creative, so they will have some ideas about specialty shots that go beyond the ordinary. These are commonly not on the shot-list and something you need to discuss with your photographer beforehand.

The wedding location can have a lot of impact on your shot list. If it is at the beach or along the shore you may want shots with your bare feet cooling. Unique architecture of your location may feature as an interesting backdrop and offer options for unusual posing and angles. Scouting out the wedding location beforehand can help you organize your list and give ideas as to where and when.

The wedding and reception typically lasts over a period of hours, sometimes with a change of venue, people and activities. It is hard for one photographer to cover all of these moments and may require a second shooter, frequently the photographer’s assistant who may be assigned to shoot the candid shots.

If it’s an outdoor wedding, weather can have a big impact on what the photographer is able to shoot. Make sure you have a contingency plan if you need to move indoors. This may eliminate some options or at least change the final result. It may make an opportunity to don a raincoat and rubber boots and head outside.

Keep the time of day in mind as it has a big impact on the lighting

When you have your photos don’t let them sit in a folder on your computer, bring them to life! We are here from start to finish to get your wedding day printed right!

Print-Worthy Picks: Your Wedding Photo Guide

Fri, 16 May 2025 17:11:59 GMT

Print-Worthy Picks: Your Wedding Photo Guide

With hundreds of photos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how to pick the ones worth printing.

Start with the must have photos. The first look, walking down the aisle, first kiss, ceremony highlights, first dance, speeches and candid reactions.

Get those emotional moments. The raw moments will bring your right back to the day and how you felt in those moments. The laughter, happy tears, hug, sneaky glances and reactions from friends and family.

Your wedding day is about you, but also those who came to celebrate you. You will want to include family portraits, candid shots of guests, and special moments with parents, grandparents and kids.

Remember to trust your gut, Sometimes the best photo is not perfect. But it is the one that makes you feel something. If a photo makes you smile, pause, or get a little teary… it belongs in print.

Keep in mind photos do not need to be printed “as is”. With creative cropping you can commonly find a photo within the photo – a significant detail or an important guest. Distracting backgrounds can be easily removed or even modified. Underexposed and overexposed photos are commonly recoverable – this is important when it is a “one-time” shot.

Most professional photographers will shoot and provide duplicate shots taken seconds apart each with subtle differences in expressions, angle or exposure. We can create contact sheets of these images so narrowing it down will be more efficient.

When you are ready to print reach out to us! We will help you find the perfect way to bring these memories to print. Whether you want some photo prints, canvas prints, photobook or an acrylic print we are here every step of the way.

Framing Beauty; Showcase Your Photography

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:51:12 GMT

5 Creative Print Formats to Showcase Your Photography

In the world of digital imagery, there's a timeless allure to holding a physical print in your hands. Printing your photographs adds a tangible, intimate dimension to yo ur work. In this blog post, we'll explore five creative print formats that provide a unique and tactile way to showcase your photography.

Canvas Prints:

Transform your photographs into stunning works of art by printing them on canvas. Canvas prints add a painterly quality to your images, giving them a timeless and elegant appearance. This format works particularly well for landscape photography or images with rich textures. Choose a reliable printing service that offers high-quality canvas prints to ensure your work is presented in the best possible way.

Metal Prints:

For a modern and sleek look, consider printing your photographs on metal. Metal prints infuse your images with vibrant colors and a high-gloss finish, creating a contemporary and eye-catching display. The process involves infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets, resulting in a durable and scratch-resistant surface. Metal prints are ideal for images with bold colors and high contrast.

Fine Art Prints:

Elevate the presentation of your photography with fine art prints. This format involves using high-quality archival paper and pigment-based inks to produce prints with exceptional color accuracy and longevity. Fine art prints are suitable for a variety of photography genres, especially those with intricate details and subtle tones. Explore different paper options, such as matte, gloss, or textured, to enhance the visual impact of your prints.

Photo Books:

Create a narrative for your photography by compiling your best shots into a printed photo book. This format allows you to showcase a series of images in a cohesive and storytelling manner. Choose a professional photo book printing service that offers customization options for cover materials, page layouts, and paper finishes. A well-designed photo book becomes a tangible piece of art that viewers can explore at their own pace.

Framed Prints:

Classic and versatile, framed prints remain a popular choice for displaying photography. Select a collection of your favorite images and have them professionally printed and framed. Choose frames that complement your photography style and enhance the overall presentation. Whether you opt for a gallery wall arrangement or standalone framed prints, this format adds a touch of sophistication to your photographs.

Conclusion:

In a world inundated with digital screens, the beauty of printed photography lies in its ability to evoke emotions and create a lasting impression. Experiment with these print formats to discover the one that best complements your artistic vision. By bringing your photographs into the physical realm, you not only enhance their visual appeal but also offer viewers a unique and immersive experience.

Photography Cheat Sheet

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:20:32 GMT

This postcard is useful for remembering your digital camera settings and getting accurate exposures.

Digital cameras are becoming increasingly complex, especially if you are not taking photos regularly or want to use it in other than automatic mode. These cameras offer amazing capabilities but to get the most from them, it’s good to understand a few photography fundamentals.

There are endless on-line sources for this type of information but when you are out in the field ready to take a photo, you can't look it up on your computer.

We’ve created a "Photography Cheat Sheet" that helps you remember camera settings and contains a gray card to help you get the right exposure. This card is designed and printed by Qwik Print and is based on some of the many samples found on Pinterest. Stop in at our store to get your's free.

Using the Cheat Sheet

Camera Modes
This is a simple reference to the settings you will see on the control dial of many cameras. Under Manual, you can control both the shutter speed and aperture independently.

White Balance
Digital cameras can correct for differences in the quality of light by adjusting this setting, usually found in the menu system or on-screen controls. Indoors, lights are generally tungsten (warm) or fluorescent (cool). Simply choose an option that best matches the dominant light source or leave the camera in Auto for an automatic adjustment.

Aperture
The aperture settings section illustrates how it affects the amount of light reaching the camera sensor/film and the impact it has on the depth of the field (the range that is in focus). As you decrease the aperture you must slow the shutter speed to obtain an equivalent amount of light entering the camera. The smaller the aperture, the greater the depth of field (area in focus).

Shutter Speed
As shutter speed slows, light enters the camera for a longer period of time. If an object is moving, it can appear blurred if the shutter speed is too slow. To stop action, choose a higher speed and compensate by using a larger aperture. To choose the right shutter speed, consider how fast the subject is moving and the direction. If it is moving toward you, a slower speed can be used than when it is travelling across your field of view.

ISO
Photographic film has a light sensitivity rating called the ISO rating. The higher the ISO, the better the film’s capability to capture images in low light. The ISO settings on your digital camera have the same impact, increasing the sensor's sensitivity to light. As the ISO increases, the film grain increases as does the “noise” or pixellation on a digital camera.

Getting a Proper Exposure

The back of the card contains a gray patch that is equivalent to an 18% reflectance value. This is the “magic” value that light meters use as a baseline when determining the correct exposure setting.

Ever shoot a photo of a winter scene and end up with gray instead of white snow? That’s because your camera or light meter equated that bright white to grey. A similar thing happens when taking night photos and dark skies are no longer black.

These are extreme examples but if you simply follow the camera or hand-held light meter readings it can result in over-exposed or under-exposed photos. It is important to take your readings from the right source, which is why photographers use gray cards.

To get an accurate exposure, point the light meter at the gray patch on the card and note the reading. If the camera has auto-exposure lock, set it. Otherwise, put the camera in Manual Mode, take a reading and change the aperture and shutter speed accordingly until they are balanced. If the subject you are shooting has high contrast, (common on a sunny day) take two readings of the gray patch, one with light falling on it and another in shadow. Average the two readings, and use this as a basis of setting your camera.

Note: It helps to set the camera in Spot Metering mode so you are only reading the gray patch on the card.

Setting Custom White Balance

The gray patch can also be used to set the white balance (warmth of light). Indoors, under incandescent light, the light temperature is lower and appears warmer. Under fluorescent light, photos frequently have a colour-cast, which most digital cameras can adjust for by changing the white balance settings.

The actual steps can vary with the camera but here is the process for setting the white balance on a Canon camera.

Take a photo of the card making sure only the gray patch is in the shot.
Navigate through the camera menu to where it says “Custom White Balance”. It will then ask you for an image.
Select the image of the gray card you just took.
The camera may ask “Use the WB Data from this image for Custom WB”. Select OK.
Set the camera’s White Balance setting to Custom. It looks like a square above two triangles.

If this process doesn’t match your camera, check on-line for the steps but in all cases, use the gray patch for taking your readings.

Include Your Pet(s) in Family Photos

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:45:49 GMT

As a pet owner, our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts and lives.

They are not just pets, but an integral part of our family. So why not include them in our family photos? Not only will it make for cute and memorable pictures, but it also showcases the love and bond we share with our pets.

Here are 4 items that can help you incorporate your pet(s) into your family photos:

1. Props: Adding props such as a cute bandana, a toy, or a matching accessory for your pet can add a fun element to your family photos. It also helps to keep your pet engaged and focused during the photoshoot.

2. Treats: What better way to capture the attention of your pet than with their favorite treats? Make sure to have plenty of treats on hand to reward them for their good behavior and to entice them to look at the camera.

3. Outfits: Dressing up your pet in a matching outfit or a coordinating color with the rest of your family can make for adorable and cohesive family photos. Just make sure that your pet is comfortable and happy in their outfit.

4. Photographer's assistant: Enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist the photographer in capturing your pet's attention. They can make noises, hold treats, or play with your pet to get the perfect shot.

Incorporating your pet into your family photos, not only adds a personal touch but also immortalizes the love and bond you share with them. So, next time you plan a family photoshoot, don't forget to include your furry family member with these helpful items.

Top 3 Considerations when Shooting Portraits

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:45:49 GMT

When capturing compelling portrait photographs, several factors come into play to ensure a striking and captivating result. The top three considerations to bear in mind are lighting, composition, and connection.

Firstly, lighting is crucial. Natural light often works wonders, offering a soft, flattering glow. Alternatively, artificial lighting setups can be used to control and shape the light for desired effects.

Secondly, composition plays a pivotal role. Pay attention to framing, background, and the rule of thirds to create visually appealing portraits. A well-composed shot can significantly enhance the overall impact.

Lastly, establishing a connection with your subject is key. Making them feel comfortable and relaxed allows their personality to shine through, resulting in more genuine and engaging portraits.

By carefully considering these elements—lighting, composition, and connection—you can elevate your portrait photography, capturing the essence and beauty of your subjects.