print size for gallery

[chauncey]

A local nutcase gallery wants a couple of my prints for display with the potential for sale.

I will have them printed on metal for the reason that I would want only metal prints hanging in my LR when they don't sell. Nothing like confidence in one's product...

They left the print size decision completely at my discretion...I could go as high as 20x30 with nose-length viewing distance. What size would you'll suggest for gallery display?

[IzzieK]

Your preference for metal prints, are your photos printed on metallic paper or aluminum? Why the preference to metal prints? Is it easier to keep clean?

Go for the "nutcase" gallery! You'll never know until you try...

[lukaswerth]

First of all, congratulations. It is always great to see one's pictures appreciated.
Second, you might consider the dimensions of the gallery space, and decide to print according to that.
But then, and perhaps first of all I would think how I want to see my pictures, if you like within those gallery rooms. What distance should the viewer have, what sort of impact would I like to make?

Lukas

[chauncey]

Would go with Aluminum...I have a couple of then I did for the kids. Durable/easy to hang.
Gallery is more like one of those disasters filled with local artwork, 2-D/3-D/whatever, visualize stuffed but...it's in a very upper-end shopping mall.

[NorthernFocus]

Not nearly enough information to provide a meaningful opinion. What will the photos be? From how far will they be viewed? Do they contain a lot of fine detail that you want to show off?

I've done quite a few metal prints. IMO they are best for high contrast and/or bright colors and/or a lot of fine detail. The largest ones I've done to date are 16x20, 12x24, and 12x36. My experience has been that people seem to have a tendency to want to get close to metal prints for some reason. Maybe because they are still relatively new to folks.

If you are talking about float mounted metal prints, I would disagree with your statement that they are durable. As a matter of fact that is one of the downsides. If they are going to be handled much at all, they are subject to getting chipped around the edges. I haven't done any framed ones but may start to do so for the above reason.

[Bobobird]

Cannot offer any expertise in the gallery stuff. No one ever asked! hehe

Metal prints - awesome. As one who seldom prints there are times that only a metal print will do. I find blues and whites come out really nice. Anytime a print is needed I will always consider aluminum first. The main reason is that it is always a gift so is nice to give the friend the best there is.

[chauncey]

If you are talking about float mounted metal prints, I would disagree with your statement that they are durable

Not sure why you say that...I've gotten several for my kids that hang in their rooms, being careful with their stuff isn't something that concerns them. No problems to date.

Bobo...I'm gonna open my living room as a personal gallery, you're more than welcome to hang your stuff.

[Bobobird]

I will keep that in mind.

[Mike Buckley]

it is always a gift so is nice to give the friend the best there is.

All along I thought we were friends, yet you've never given me one of your prints.

[shreds]

I normally work on 16 x 20 for galleries that the public are likely to be, as you put it, 'at nose length', but if there is the space go bigger.

Folk are often impressed by the larger stuff, so long as it is not so big they walk past and don't 'see' it.

Wouldn't go larger than 20 x 30. (and what will suit your LR, if thats where it ends up?)

Congrats by the way for getting recognised! (We need a clapping/congrats smilie)

[NorthernFocus]

Not sure why you say that...I've gotten several for my kids that hang in their rooms, being careful with their stuff isn't something that concerns them...

Just speaking from my own experience.

[Kris V]

I haven't clue about printing for display in a gallery, but Congratulations for the recognition!