How to Highlight the Subject in Your Photos for Stunning Canvas Prints

When it comes to turning your memories into beautiful art, photo prints on canvas are a fantastic choice. Cheap canvas prints can add a personal touch to any home or office, transforming simple snapshots into meaningful wall art. But what makes a photo truly eye-catching is the way the subject is highlighted. In this blog post, we will explore tips and techniques for focusing on the subject of your photo, ensuring that your canvas print is visually striking and captivating.

1. Use the Rule of Thirds

One of the most effective ways to highlight the subject in your photo is by using the rule of thirds. This photography principle divides your image into a 3x3 grid, both vertically and horizontally. Placing your subject at one of the intersections or along the lines of the grid helps balance the composition and naturally guides the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the image.

For example, if you are capturing a portrait, position the subject's eyes along the top horizontal line. This will create a more engaging and dynamic image, perfect for a cheap canvas print.

2. Use Depth of Field

A shallow depth of field is another technique that can dramatically highlight the subject of your photo. By blurring the background and focusing sharply on the subject, you draw the viewer’s attention directly to the focal point. This is especially useful when photographing people, animals, or objects that stand out against a busy background.

In portrait photography, you can achieve this effect by using a wide aperture (such as f/1.8 or f/2.8). For other types of photography, experiment with your camera’s settings to get the perfect amount of blur around the subject, making it pop on your canvas photo print.

3. Use Leading Lines

Leading lines can be a powerful tool in directing the viewer’s gaze toward the subject. Whether it’s a road, a fence, a river, or even the lines formed by the light, using leading lines helps create a sense of movement and flow within your image. They naturally draw the viewer’s attention to the subject, making it the focal point of the composition.

For example, a winding road in the foreground of your photo can lead the eye straight to a distant mountain or building, emphasizing the subject in the distance.

4. Play with Light and Shadows

Lighting plays a crucial role in drawing attention to the subject. You can enhance the subject by using natural light or artificial light to highlight it while allowing the surrounding elements to fade into the background.

One technique is backlighting, where you place the light source behind your subject. This can create a silhouette effect or add an ethereal glow around the subject, making it stand out in a powerful way. Alternatively, use side lighting to create shadows and textures that accentuate the form of the subject.

The use of light and shadow is especially important when creating cheap canvas prints, as the quality of the photo can directly impact the final result of the print.

5. Contrast and Color Choices

Contrast is another essential element in photography. High contrast images, where the subject is brightly lit against a dark background, tend to draw the eye. On the other hand, low contrast photos with soft lighting can create a more subtle effect.

If you want to make the subject stand out, consider using contrasting colors. A brightly colored subject against a muted background can make a striking visual impact. For example, a vibrant red flower against a soft green background or a person in a bright yellow coat against a neutral grey wall creates a dynamic contrast that makes the subject pop.

You can further enhance this by adjusting the saturation and vibrance of the subject in post-production. For cheap canvas prints, consider editing your photos to boost the color contrast and ensure the subject stands out before printing.

6. Simplify the Background

One of the easiest ways to highlight the subject in your photo is by simplifying the background. A cluttered or distracting background can pull attention away from your subject, making it harder for the viewer to focus on what matters.

If possible, choose a background that complements the subject without competing for attention. This could mean choosing a neutral or monochromatic background, or even blurring the background using a shallow depth of field.

For canvas prints, a clean background helps create a polished, professional-looking piece of art that draws all eyes to the subject.

7. Consider the Angle and Perspective

Changing the angle or perspective from which you capture your subject can also help highlight it more effectively. For example, shooting from a low angle can make the subject appear more powerful or imposing. On the other hand, shooting from above can create a sense of vulnerability or distance.

In addition, try shooting from a different perspective or at an unusual angle to give your photo more depth and dimension. This approach can add intrigue to the final canvas photo print, making it a unique and engaging piece of art.

8. Crop and Frame Your Image

Sometimes, the best way to highlight the subject is through cropping. Cropping allows you to remove unnecessary elements from the frame and concentrate the viewer’s attention on the subject. Be mindful of how much you crop, as you don’t want to lose important details of the subject.

Also, consider how you will frame the subject on your cheap canvas print. A square crop often works well for close-up portraits, while a landscape crop can be ideal for wide scenic shots.

Highlighting the subject in your photo is key to creating visually striking canvas prints that will stand out in any room. By using techniques such as the rule of thirds, shallow depth of field, and playing with light and color, you can ensure that your cheap canvas prints are engaging and impactful. Simplifying the background, adjusting the angle, and cropping your image are also effective ways to ensure the subject is the main focal point. Whether you’re displaying a family portrait, a vacation snapshot, or a beautiful landscape, these techniques will help you transform your photos into stunning wall art.

If you want to bring your photos to life with canvas photo prints, check out our range of cheap canvas prints at Custom Canvas Online.