I'll come right out and say it - digital photography is a little cold.
By that, I mean that it just doesn't produce the same tactile experience as shooting on film and getting prints made.
That's why I think it's so important for modern photographers to get their digital photos printed, someway, somehow.
And I don't just mean regular paper prints, either.
I quite enjoy having some of my favorite photos printed on canvas so I can have that tactile experience with my photography.
The problem isn't access to companies that turn your photos into amazing prints, though. There are plenty of those.
The issue is finding a company that does it well.
With that in mind, I've come up with five essential tips for getting a perfect canvas print.
Consider the Materials
Not all canvases are made alike. Take that from someone that's tried quite a few!
To get a high-quality product, you need to find a company that uses high-quality materials.
That usually starts with things like artisan-quality canvases and waterproof and UV-resistant inks so your images have deep and long-lasting colors on a material that was purpose-built for photo printing.
But it's not just about what you see...
A canvas needs a strong, sturdy frame, too. That means using kiln-dried fir stretcher bars for the best construction.
What's more, you want a canvas that's been perfectly stretched over its frame for a mount that's spot on.
The result of all that?
A well-made canvas that will be a centerpiece of your home for years to come!
You Want Proofs
When you order any kind of print online, you just never know what it might look like when the real thing arrives in the mail.
That's why you should look for a printer that offers complimentary proofs...
CanvasHQ does just that, with free and fast digital proofs that take the worry out of ordering canvas prints online.
That means that if you don't like how your prints look, you can request changes to be made before they're printed and delivered.
What better way to shop for canvas prints than to be able to see before you buy?!
Look for a Guarantee
Anyone can make a website and promise to deliver top-notch products.
But when you purchase a canvas, you want peace of mind that if you don't like what you get in the mail that you have some recourse.
That's why it's necessary to look for a company that puts their money where their mouth is and offers you a guarantee.
Some companies offer measly guarantees, like a 14-day money back guarantee.
However, top-notch companies like CanvasHQ go the extra mile and give you different options, like 30 days to have your print remade or to get a full refund. The best thing about this guarantee is that unlike some companies, you don't actually have to ship the entire canvas back to them!
Beyond that, the best canvas-making companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their canvases. That means no cracking, bubbling, or fading - ever. Talk about a guarantee!
Think About Shipping
I have Amazon Prime, partly to take advantage of two-day shipping.
Yet, some items take 3-5 days to ship. What's up with that?
When buying a canvas, you want it sooner rather than later, so be sure to investigate the shipping times before you buy.
The last thing you want is to order an awesome print and then realize it'll take a month to arrive.
And you definitely want your canvas packaged in a way that protects it in transit.
Opt for an outfit that gives you an intelligent, real-time estimate of your canvas' arrival that's based on real-world factors like current volume of products being produced. Be sure they know how to protect your canvas, too.
Beyond that, ensure that the printer you select keeps you up-to-date from the moment you place your order until the moment your canvas is out for delivery in your city or town.
After all, your canvas immortalizes something important to you, so you want to be able to track it as it makes its way to you.
Customer Service Should Be A Top Priority
Nobody wants to deal with a company that's lacking in the customer service department.
Even if they manage to make you something beautiful, poor customer service leaves a bad taste in your mouth and induces you to take your business elsewhere.
When it comes to customer service, CanvasHQ does it right, which is why we give them our highest recommendation.
Not only are they committed to making each and every customer happy, but they are also committed to building long-lasting relationships with their customers.
Maybe that's because CanvasHQ is a family-owned business. Perhaps it's because they're just nice folks!
Either way, that sort of commitment to the customer seems pretty rare these days...
If you work with CanvasHQ, you'll have a real person answering all of your calls, proof notes, emails, and live chats!
It's tough to beat that level of service in an industry known for outsourcing their call centers.
Wrapping It Up
As I said in the introduction, digital photography can seem a little cold at times.
I can't think of a better way to warm it up than by getting my photos printed on canvas.
When it comes to tactile experiences, no other type of photo print can match a canvas.
I love the texture of the canvas itself, and I also like the chunkiness of the frame. It gives the photo a three-dimensional look that is simply fantastic.
But do me a favor and avoid the cheap canvas makers that overpromise and underdeliver.
Instead, benefit from my past mistakes and work with CanvasHQ.
After all, they use only the best materials, they have outstanding customer service, and they guarantee their work. They even have free touchups.
What's not to like about that?