Fine art photographic prints make wonderful gifts. Made from high resolution digital files and printed onto a variety of substrates using modern printers and ink sets, they are high value art pieces in and of themselves. As such, they don’t need to be “useful”, don’t require batteries or endless software updates and due to their bespoke construction, their rich colours and tones will endure undiminished for a lifetime. Here are some tips to consider when looking for a fine art print to give as a gift.
Subject
Your recipient’s interests and hobbies are a good place to start when choosing a subject for the print. The more thought you put into this stage, the more personal and meaningful the gift becomes. Prints that bring to mind shared interests or experiences can be good choices for example. Can’t decide? Prints depicting nature have a universal appeal and helping someone bring nature into their home can even have positive benefits to their wellbeing.
Anna's Hummingbird Warmed By Sunrise. ©James Thompson Photography
Decor
Do you have a sense of your recipient’s decor or stylistic tastes? Fine art prints come in all shapes and sizes as well as print media. Go for a matted and framed print on high quality photographic paper for a classic and timeless look. Canvas prints mounted as a gallery wrap have a real presence on the wall and have a more contemporary feel. For an ultra modern look consider a metal print. For a deep dive on how to match a fine art print to a specific decor, check out my article on using colour theory to help guide your selections.
If your gift is not going to be a surprise, ask your recipient for a photo of the space in which they’re likely to hang the print. Some websites allow you to upload your room picture and digitally preview various artworks on the wall. This can really take the guesswork out of selecting the right size, colours, and style.
Coastal Wolf in the Mist. ©James Thompson Photography
Budget
Let’s be honest, budget typically plays at least some role in our gift-giving decisions. As a general rule, the larger the print you select, the more expensive it will be. Prints on photographic paper and canvas tend to be less expensive than those printed on metal or acrylic substrates. This is offset however by the need to matte and frame a paper print which can get expensive. A gallery wrap canvas is a real budget win - they are relatively inexpensive to produce, have a real physical presence on the wall and come ready to hang right out of the box.
Speaking of shipping, this too can get costly. Paper prints can be easily shipped rolled in a poster tube. Anything that is framed or mounted needs to be shipped in a large box with appropriate protective packaging and this can get quite expensive. Look for retailers that offer free shipping in your area. One benefit of finding local artists is that you can often skip the shipping by simply picking the print up directly.
Rainforest Sunbeams. ©James Thompson Photography
Research the Artist
There is a lot of mass produced and even AI generated “art” out there. Granted, it will be on the cheaper side for a given size, but researching and finding an artist who shares the same values (e.g. nature conservation) as your recipient greatly enhances the emotional value of your gift. There are amazing artists producing stunning original work in all kinds of genres and styles. Chances are there are a few local to you! Do a little digging, go beyond the first couple of pages of your internet search results, talk to others with similar interests as your recipient and you’ll be amazed at what you can find.
Rain Tail #1. ©James Thompson Photography
Personal Touches
A hand written note explaining why you selected a particular piece adds tremendously to the emotional impact of your gift. Another benefit of dealing directly with a local artist is the ability to customize your gift further. Many are willing to add a specific dedication on the back or edges of the piece as well as certificates of authenticity. Also, you might find custom sizes or colours are available that are not necessarily advertised.
Conclusion
A carefully selected fine art print makes an amazing gift your recipient is sure to cherish and enjoy for many years. Interested in nature themed prints? Come on over to my print shop to see if anything there fits your needs.