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Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Home & Garden
Decorating with Photographs
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Decorating with Photographs
By Rochelle Caviness
Looking for a quick and easy way to brighten a room? Need a little 'something' to round out a decorating scheme? Are you looking for something unique with which to decorate or accessorize your home, something that is also easy on the wallet? Photographs are the answer to all these decorating dilemmas.
- Photographs are plentiful and they come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors.
- Photos are also easy to come by. You can take your own, or dig out forgotten photos from your attic. Most art galleries and many department stores sell frameable photos. Photos are also readily available at antique stores, flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales.
Antique or Vintage Photographs
Antique or vintage photographs provide an instant point of interest in any décor. Photos can run the gamut from old advertisement pictures to period photos of houses or people. Antique or vintage photographs also offer you the opportunity of incorporating a religious or ethic feel to your home by using photos that commemorate those events which are important to you, or which connect you to your historical past. These types of photos make ideal focal points for any room, both from the viewpoint of the eye, but also as 'conversation starters'.
Instant Ancestors
Searching out ones genealogy is a favorite pastime of many. However, even when one does know who his ancestors are, he is not always able to find photos of these individuals. For those that would like to decorate with photos of their ancestors, but lack the photos - do not despair. Instant ancestors are available no further from your door than your local flea market or antique store. Each year untold numbers of ancestral photos become separated from their real families. These orphaned photos are more than willing to stand in as representatives of your ancestors, for whom photos are lacking.
Amateur Art
When most people consider using a piece of artwork to decorate their home, they usually start hunting for such works in shops or galleries. They often overlook the fact that they have the ability and the expertise to create their own works of art - for a fraction of the price of a store-bought piece. With the advent of affordable 35mm cameras, everyone can now acquire the needed equipment to take decorative quality pictures.
- Beginner photographers tend to have a great deal of success with scenery and landscape photos. When photographing a natural landscape you do not need to worry as much about contrast and lighting, as you would when including people in your photos.
- Look through your old photos, and any new ones you take, with the idea of looking for a work of art to frame and hang on your wall. When you find a picture that you like, consider having it blown up to a larger size. Framed and properly hung, you have an instant gallery of your own work.
- Consider grouping a series of similar shots on one wall. The repetitive nature of the photos will highlight the subject.
Professional Photos
When most people think of professional photos and photographers, the first thought that comes to mind is portraits. Almost every mall and department store now hosts a portrait photographer that takes family, and occasionally, pet photos. While these works are most eminently suited to grace the walls of your house, there is more to professional photography than merely taking portraits.
- Many professional photographers exhibit in art galleries, and their work can be quite pricey. However, for the right piece, you may feel that the price is cheap - especially if you are planning to build your entire décor around a specific photo.
Portraits
One of the earliest uses that photography was put to was the making of portraits. Photographic, in general, still makes up a large portion of the photo business. You can create a home gallery of your family members by framing and hanging a series of photos in one concentrated area. Popular 'family' galleries are hallways and along stairway walls.
Landscapes
Landscapes and other outdoor scenes lend a sense of elegance and serenity to any room. Such photos are most commonly found in living and dining rooms, but in truth, they are suitable for any room in your home.
Out of this World
When choosing photos with which to decorate you home, don't be afraid to look skyward for inspiration. Pictures are available of the stars, planets, and other extraterrestrial bodies. Images from the Hubble telescope and other 'out of this world' photographs make an excellent focal point for a child's bedroom or to add a bit of the exotic to a bathroom or other small space.