Tuesday, August 6, 2013

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY {EASY CANVAS PRINTS}

I have wanted to put this wedding photo on a canvas since the day we got our proofs back from the photographer, back in October of 2010. To me the image is artistic and unique, not your run of the mill wedding photo. And it just begs to be put on a canvas, don't you think? 

Fast forward almost three years and this photo was still just sitting on my hard drive. So when Easy Canvas Prints approached me to check out their canvases and write a review, I knew exactly which photo I would choose. But, that didn't stop me from trying out a ton of different photos during the ordering process. For starters, they've got an array of size options at every price point, including square canvases perfect for Instagram shots. Or you have the option of selecting a custom size. I think the larger canvases are great for scenic shots and artsy ones like I chose. But I could also see a little cluster of 8" squares from your Instagram collection hung together. 

Once you decide on your canvas dimensions and wrap thickness, 3/4" is standard but you can also opt for the 1.5" gallery wrap or have it framed, you're ready for the fun part of seeing your images as canvas proofs. You simply choose a photo to upload, they'll tell you if the quality is good, and then you click "proof" to see it in action. When you finally decide which photo to use (I tried about 50 just for the heck of it) you get to play around with the border that will appear on the edges of the canvas. I tried this out with a bunch of different images and found that the mirror image can look a little funky if you are using a close up portrait but can have a great affect if you're going with a landscape shot. The image wrap, which I went with here, can be versatile, but again might look a little strange if you are using a close up portrait. I ordered a smaller canvas recently, one of my little family, and went with the border color in black. I think it's the most classic look and can work with any type of image. Especially if you're nervous about how the image wrap or mirror image will look in person. 

They give you the option of changing the color to black and white or sepia for an additional fee, but I'm not sure why you'd choose to do that when you can edit the image beforehand with any number of free programs. They will also retouch the images for you, but at a pretty hefty cost. If your images aren't coming from a professional photographer and you don't choose to make any edits yourself beforehand, this could be a good option for you. I didn't want to fork over extra cash so I've been teaching myself to use a free program called GIMP 2.8. It's similar to Photoshop so there is a learning curve. But once you figure out a couple basic techniques you can dramatically improve the appearance of your images. 

The overall process was super easy and the turn-around time was quick. I placed my order on a Friday and it shipped out that following Monday. It arrived in perfect condition and I couldn't be happier with the quality. I wondered if it would be grainy or the colors wouldn't be true since it was such a large canvas. But I couldn't be happier with the outcome. It's absolutely beautiful. 

For a chance to win an 8" x 10" Easy Canvas Print, please visit Easy Canvas Prints and leave a comment below.  Good luck! 

Disclaimer: Easy Canvas Prints did provide me with a 16" x 20" canvas, but the opinions I've expressed here are mine.
Giveaway:

Prize: 8" x 10" Easy Canvas Print ($44.71 value)
1 winner chosen at random
Giveaway Ends Wednesday, August 14, 10am US Mountain Time


5 comments:

  1. I have always loved your 365days/52 weeks of Hudson! Love the canvas art and the wedding picture is awesome! Hope you are doing great! Melissa

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    1. Thanks Mel! I appreciate that. And I've really been enjoying your blog too!

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  2. Thanks Cassie! I'm so excited to get my canvas. Love your blog. aimee

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