What Do My Nature Photography Print Choices Say About Me?
Like it or not and intentional or not, the choices we make about what pictures to hang on our walls say something about our personality, our values and desires. Some of these things are naturally intuited by most people but others require a more nuanced understanding by the viewer. Use these tips to make sure your choices of fine art nature photography prints displayed in your home or office send the message you intend.
Know Yourself
In general, people choose art that resonates with their feelings or experiences and thus a preference for natural scenes might suggest a connection with or empathy for the natural world. Within this broad generalization however, there is lots of room for metaphor, symbolism and emotional expression. It’s really up to you what you wish to communicate.
Know Your Colour Theory
Colours are well known to have strong psychological associations and effects. Hot, high energy colours like reds and oranges are associated with with passion, danger and drama. Pieces with these tones might suggest a high energy environment or cheerful and outgoing personality. Cooler colours like blues and greens evoke a sense of peace, tranquility and stability. Pieces featuring these colors might suggest a more somber tone or introspective nature.
Eagles Beach Sunrise (left). Layer of Gold (right). ©James Thompson Photography
Know Your Purpose
You can tailor your print choices to the purpose of the area you’re decorating. For example, you might pick a piece dominated by reds and other energetic colours for a shared work area whereas a more muted, cooler toned piece might be preferred for a client waiting area. Your home spa or meditation space could be filled with predominantly light toned pieces full of cooler blues and greens to create a tranquil respite from a busy life.
Subtle Sunrise. ©James Thompson Photography
Know Your Audience
While an abstract monotone print might be engaging and thought provoking in a boardroom, it would be out of place in a kids’ play area. Knowing who is likely to be viewing the piece and their likely emotional state can help you match your artwork display to its audience for a more congruent experience.
Starfish and Anemones. ©James Thompson Photography
Know The Artist
For many years photographs were literal representations of the scene in front of the camera. Over time, image manipulation has become more prevalent with gentle enhancements of the original image at one end of the spectrum to artificially generated elements at the other. Where the artist falls on this spectrum, as well as their philosophy around their work in general will reflect on you also. Beautiful images of beautiful natural subjects implies authenticity as well as reverence for the natural world.
Desolation Moonrise. ©James Thompson Photography
Style
Carrying a stylistic theme through your print choices is another way to express yourself. A preference for abstract images might reflect a desire for freedom, creativity and non-conformity. These potentially challenging pieces will certainly be engaging for viewers and promote seeking a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Such pieces are well suited to creative spaces where high level ideas are explored.
A Story in Wood. ©James Thompson Photography
More classic landscape scenes might imply more of a connection to the traditional and invite a more relaxed and literal exploration of the subject. Such pieces create pleasant and soothing backgrounds for the tableau of life playing out in front of them.
Purples and Pilings. ©James Thompson Photography
Finally, just as traditional human portraiture invites careful study and exploration of character, portraits of wildlife welcome viewers into the world of the subject and certainly imply a high degree of empathy. Keep in mind your own cultural context: a portrait of a wolf may symbolize intelligence or community to some whereas others may intuit a more predatory or even devious (think Little Red Riding Hood) interpretation for example.
Coastal Wolf Nestled in Grass. ©James Thompson Photography
Size Matters
Consider the size of the print relative to the area in which it will hang. A large piece in a prominent location or that dominates a small space makes a bold statement. Smaller pieces might then carry a stylistic or colour theme throughout an area. Sometimes less is more and a small piece with high energy colours will certainly draw the eye while maintaining a more minimalistic or modern decor.
Wave Power. ©James Thompson Photography
Anna's Hummingbird Male Hovers Near Flower. ©James Thompson Photography
The Choice Is Yours
Ultimately you should let your own emotions and preferences guide your choice of which fine art nature photography prints should decorate your space. You can use the tips above to tailor your message as much as you feel appropriate.
Visit my print store to see if any of my pieces resonate with you.