It's in today's Detroit News in the Homestyle section! I'm so excited.
Snapshots can offer picture-perfect decor
When you fill your interiors with photography, you get affordable art with an artistic edge. Whether you prefer to display your own images or collect the works of others, there are a few things to keep in mind for maximum potential.
First, consider your subject. Janna Bissett, a fine art photographer and owner of LilacPOP Photography in Clawson, believes that anything has the potential to become an interesting photograph. "In fact, I like the challenge of finding a good photograph in something that normally would be perceived as boring or ugly," she says.
For those on a budget, Bissett says www.etsy.com is a great place to start, or you can showcase your own shots.
Displaying your own photos is very personal, says Bissett, who suggests investing in professional printing and framing services to ensure better quality. She also says it's important to keep scale in mind and don't skimp on size. "Think of the photo as a piece of art," she says. If you use a professional printer, your photos can be made larger than what you can print at home.
Strive to improve your process. "I think the biggest mistake people make when shooting photographs is to forget what is in the background, especially when shooting portraits," Bissett says. "You could take a beautiful portrait of someone, but if there is a sign sticking out of their head in the background, it looks very weird."
Move your main subject away from the center, Bissett says, which will make the shot more artistic and pleasing to the eye. Try rotating your camera a bit so the photo is taken at an odd angle. "Any time you break away from a normal 'snapshot' you make your work more interesting," she says.
In her own home, the artist favors a mix of her larger works on the walls and smaller framed photos propped on books on tables and shelves.
Bissett's printing process is unique, adding a distinct flavor to her photos. "I print them on metallic paper by a professional lab which gives them a beautiful reflective quality and a bit of an ethereal look as well," she says. "It is strong -- resistant to tearing and curling without any additional lamination. The prints will last for several lifetimes."
Her 4-by-6 prints start at $10, making them a budget-friendly buy. The photos can be made as large as 20-by-30 on the metallic paper.
The artist's other interests include drawing, painting, and making jewelry. Her work will be available at the Artists' Market at Leon & Lulu in Clawson on Feb. 28 and March 2.
Many of the artist's images portray unlikely subjects, from an abandoned house to an empty swing set. While others might not see these objects as obvious material, Bissett won't let an opportunity for creativity slip away. "I carry my camera around with me as much as possible," she says, "because you just never know when inspiration will hit."
For more information, go to www.lilacpopphotography.etsy.com.
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. Her work has appeared in a number of regional publications. Have a decor question or a topic you would like her to cover? You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100226/OPINION03/2260306/1038/Snapshots-can-offer-picture-perfect-decor#ixzz0gjpfc4w9
A photo taken by Janna Bissett and professionally printed on metallic paper adds distinction to the artist's home. (Janna Bissett)
Snapshots can offer picture-perfect decor
by Jeanine Matlow
When you fill your interiors with photography, you get affordable art with an artistic edge. Whether you prefer to display your own images or collect the works of others, there are a few things to keep in mind for maximum potential.
First, consider your subject. Janna Bissett, a fine art photographer and owner of LilacPOP Photography in Clawson, believes that anything has the potential to become an interesting photograph. "In fact, I like the challenge of finding a good photograph in something that normally would be perceived as boring or ugly," she says.
For those on a budget, Bissett says www.etsy.com is a great place to start, or you can showcase your own shots.
Displaying your own photos is very personal, says Bissett, who suggests investing in professional printing and framing services to ensure better quality. She also says it's important to keep scale in mind and don't skimp on size. "Think of the photo as a piece of art," she says. If you use a professional printer, your photos can be made larger than what you can print at home.
Strive to improve your process. "I think the biggest mistake people make when shooting photographs is to forget what is in the background, especially when shooting portraits," Bissett says. "You could take a beautiful portrait of someone, but if there is a sign sticking out of their head in the background, it looks very weird."
Move your main subject away from the center, Bissett says, which will make the shot more artistic and pleasing to the eye. Try rotating your camera a bit so the photo is taken at an odd angle. "Any time you break away from a normal 'snapshot' you make your work more interesting," she says.
In her own home, the artist favors a mix of her larger works on the walls and smaller framed photos propped on books on tables and shelves.
Bissett's printing process is unique, adding a distinct flavor to her photos. "I print them on metallic paper by a professional lab which gives them a beautiful reflective quality and a bit of an ethereal look as well," she says. "It is strong -- resistant to tearing and curling without any additional lamination. The prints will last for several lifetimes."
Her 4-by-6 prints start at $10, making them a budget-friendly buy. The photos can be made as large as 20-by-30 on the metallic paper.
The artist's other interests include drawing, painting, and making jewelry. Her work will be available at the Artists' Market at Leon & Lulu in Clawson on Feb. 28 and March 2.
Many of the artist's images portray unlikely subjects, from an abandoned house to an empty swing set. While others might not see these objects as obvious material, Bissett won't let an opportunity for creativity slip away. "I carry my camera around with me as much as possible," she says, "because you just never know when inspiration will hit."
For more information, go to www.lilacpopphotography.etsy.com.
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. Her work has appeared in a number of regional publications. Have a decor question or a topic you would like her to cover? You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100226/OPINION03/2260306/1038/Snapshots-can-offer-picture-perfect-decor#ixzz0gjpfc4w9
A photo taken by Janna Bissett and professionally printed on metallic paper adds distinction to the artist's home. (Janna Bissett)