Trade Canvas Print - A Review

I've been working on my printed portfolio and thinking about doing another exhibition. It's been so long since I've done one that I can't remember when the last time was. I reckon it's past due for another one.

My print portfolio I'm working on.

Thinking about an exhibition of my work led me to thinking about canvas prints. I've often thought about the canvas medium and wondered what some of my favourite photographs would look like on canvas. So I decided to invest in some canvases to hang on our own walls and as examples of my work. I've sold prints here and there but not actually offered up prints for sale. I figure it's about time I did.

I've done a lot of research, costing and checked out some products up close at trade shows etc. I decided to give Trade Canvas Print a try, as they cater to the professional trade, their website was easy to navigate and orders were easy to place. I really like how I could easily choose the size of my canvas to suit the print. The price was reasonable too, giving me the chance to sell my images at a reasonable price.

The turn around time was amazing too! I placed my order late Monday afternoon for 10 canvases and they were delivered Wednesday morning! That's good for me as a trader as that means I can get my products to my customers very quickly. And they can choose what size they wish to have and not have to rely on what I have on hand. They will also post direct to my customers. I'm actually on the wall about that last one as I like to preview my products before they go to my customers. But it's nice to know the choice is there if I need it.

The delivery.

Trade Canvas Print kept me up to date on the progress of my order and the delivery time. I was given a one hour window in which it would be delivered and that's when it was delivered! Don't you just hate waiting around all day for a delivery? I loved the one hour window.

I was so excited when the delivery arrived, but my heart soon sank when I saw a hole knocked in one of the boxes. I ran to get my camera to document the opening.

The hole was clean through, it looked quite a sharp puncture.

The bubble wrap just under the puncture was popped and damaged. It's difficult to tell in the photo above but it was.

You can just make out the dent in the bubble wrap in the larger photo. Luckily the canvases were well packed and wrapped. The puncture didn't make it past the tightly wrapped bubble wrap. What a relief!

I was so relieved and thankful that I took to Twitter and thanked @tradecanvas.

Next the unboxing and examining of the canvases. They were all well wrapped and packed and arrived in perfect condition.

I am really impressed with the quality too. I chose their 38mm deep pine frames with finishing touches like galvanized staples taped over, wooden wedged corners and felt pads to protect the wall.

The back.

Frame detail.

38mm deep frame.

Lovely detail in the print. 

Here are some photos of the canvases I had made for myself with Trade Canvas Print, using my own photographs of course.

Paris, 26 x1 6 inches x 38mm

London, 24 x 16 inches x 38mm

Rodborough Common Trees in the Fog, 24 x 10 inches x 38mm

Poppies, 14 x 10 inches x 38mm

Daisy with Ladybird, 12 x 8 inches x 38mm 

Fog filling the Stroud Valley, 36 x 14 inches x 38mm

I am over the moon with these canvases and I'm already thinking about my next order. But first I need to get these hung.

If I were giving star ratings, Trade Canvas Print would get 5 out of 5 stars. I can't fault them or their products. I can highly recommend them with confidence to any professional or hobbyist photographer or artist. I am very much looking forward to showing these off to my customers and friends. Hopefully they will show up in an exhibition soon too. :-)

If you are interested in purchasing any of my photographs on canvas please contact me. Follow this link for my contact details. I hope to have an online shop for canvas prints soon.

In case you didn't know, I'm a professional photographer based in the Cotswolds. I cover just about any type of photography but mostly specialize in corporate head shots, commercial, promotional, products and event coverage. I sometimes work for the local papers and  occasionally a photography magazine here and there.

Photography isn't only my job, it's my passion. I think this shows in my images above.

We had a breakthrough today!

I had such an amazing walk with Snapper today and I didn't take any photos! No I don't have a fever and I'm not sick. We went walking with Caroline and her daughter and their white lab, Prince. Prince is such a lovely dog!! I love labs, they make the best companions.

Snapper is my lovely adopted rescue dog, he's nearly 4 years old and we've had him for 7 months now. He's a Yorkshire Terrier and might be mixed with a Jack Russel, that wasn't made clear. He came to us with social issues and a tendency to bite if he didn't know you and you reached for his head without warning. He's also not great with other dogs. We've been taking it slowly with him and taking the calm and reassuring approach. I'm happy to say it's paying off and he's a much happier and nicer dog today. Still away to go, but we are getting there. :-)

What was so amazing about today's walk? Well Snapper isn't very well socialized and we've been working with him. He doesn't like strangers in his face and will nip and even bite if surprised or rushed at. He's the same with dogs, he doesn't like them in his face and really doesn't like the hyper ones jumping at him. Prince is still like a puppy and bounces around a bit, which Snapper wasn't too keen on at first. First greeting was a bit shaky but Snapper soon calmed down and walked along side Prince, which was nice.

The best part was, after awhile when we were out in the woods, he let me put his muzzle on and he didn't completely shut down. He usually deactivates when we put it on, refusing to walk or even move with it on. But with Prince bouncing around he made an effort which was great! Great for me as I can relax and not worry about him biting Prince when Prince gets in his face. And as we were out on an area of land with the river on either side I took a chance and let Snapper off his lead. First time ever! And he was amazing! He ran around with Prince and if he got too far ahead I'd call out 'wait', and he'd stop and wait for me to catch up which was soooo amazing!

He stopped listening so much when we got close to town so I put the lead back on him. After goodbyes and we were on our way home, making our way up a field, I decided to try him off lead again, still with muzzle on. For a few minutes he stayed right with me, but then he saw some dogs up the hill and took off running. It would have to be UP hill wouldn't it?!! He didn't stop when I called this time. He was too distracted. Lucky he had his muzzle on so I didn't panic so much, but was embarrassed that he didn't stop. But he didn't bark or growl or anything at the other dogs, but was wagging his tail and greeted the other dogs happily which was amazing! Amazing for Snapper that is.

I hate having to muzzle him but I just can't take the chance of him biting. I'm so glad he has finally accepted the muzzle. I've been putting it on him every now and then trying to get him used to it, but he just deactivates when I put it on, refusing to move or even look up. Just yesterday he did this when I put it on him while out on our walk and he completely shut down, refusing to walk. But today was a breakthrough!

There are hundreds of different ways to train a dog, I know, I've googled it! Also, everyone you meet is an expert and gives you advice....a lot like when you have your first child. In the end I went with my instincts, after watching Snapper and how he reacted to things. I decided that the patient, gentle but firm route was the one to take with him. I felt like most of his acting out (what others call aggressiveness) was actually fear and not knowing how to react. I've no idea how he was treated in the past, and I don't want to guess or judge, but I don't think he was getting what he needed. Besides, I just don't believe that yelling, hitting and abusive behaviour will correct a bad or unwanted behaviour. Yes they need to know who's boss (Alpha), but you can do that without abusing them.

Here's a photo of my little buddy Snapper. I love having him around, he's such a sweetheart once you get to know him....about like me. ;-)

Just look at that face!