How to Display Dog Photography Portraits in Your Home
Our homes are filled with personal touches that express who we are. Naturally, you may want to display dog photography portraits in your home as a pet owner. After all, photos of our loved ones, including our pets, offer comfort and sanctuary, fill our living spaces with personal touches, and help make them feel cozy.
In my own home, I have a framed pet portrait that I adore, but it used to be hidden behind a lamp, only available for me to see. Today, that single framed photograph of my dog is proudly in the spotlight, and I have moved it forward from the lamp. When I see it, it makes me smile. Now, it is more prominent, bringing me joy daily as I walk by.
Should you display dog photography portraits?
I recently visited a client's home to consider different photo sizes above his fireplace mantel. I brought an assortment of frame sizes to help visualize the scale and feel of artwork for his home. His perception of how to display dog photography portraits in the home changed when he saw a giant framed print I had brought along.
Once he saw that, he was noticeably moved. He realized, for the first time, that dog photography portraits from a pet portrait session can become personal artwork for your home. He realized that they needn't just be digital images kept on your phone or printed in small size and put in a standard 5x7 frame.
After a few minutes, we sat together on the couch, both silent, eyeing the large blank wall over the fireplace. He leans in and says, “Am I a dork for wanting my dog's photography portraits over the fireplace?”. My answer… “ Absolutely not!”
I believe that we can and should proudly display our pet portraits in our homes. Since our pets are such a huge part of our lives, it stands to reason that we would want to celebrate them through photography and have their image visible within our private spaces.
Five ideas of how to display dog photography portraits in your home
There are many ways to display professional dog portraits, and they needn't feel cheesy!
1. Framed Dog Pictures
Tables and sideboards are a stage to hold memories of your pet and your family. Consider incorporating a single frame on a side table, shelf, or desk:
Choose a desktop frame that complements your decor and the portrait inside.
Enjoy your favorite photographs up close and personal, creating a close connection with your memories.
Tip: On a trip home recently, I became mesmerized by the digital photo frame on the side table in the living room. Can't choose one picture to frame? Select several and incorporate them into a digital photo album that rotates various images, keeping things fresh.
2. Classic Pet Photography Gallery Wall
Gallery walls remain a favorite for displaying family portraits, and these may incorporate portraits of your dog since they are your family's best friend.
Gallery walls allow you to showcase a mix of different-sized frames, creating a dynamic impact.
I suggest that you select a theme of images from your family portrait session and find cohesion via a standard color palette.
Mix family photos with decorative elements for added interest, but, most importantly, include dog photography portraits.
Tip: When arranging a classic photography gallery wall, start with a focal point, such as a standout pet portrait or a larger family photo, and build around it. A large picture will provide a visual anchor for the entire display. Leave some negative space between frames to prevent the wall from feeling cluttered. Use removable adhesive strips for temporary placement on the wall while experimenting with different arrangements on the floor.
3. Animals in Large Wall Art
Make a bold statement with oversized dog photography portraits on your wall.
Choose one or two captivating images from your pet portrait session that can be a focal point for the room. A stunning fine art photograph can instantly transform the atmosphere of your space.
To visualize large animal art in your home, use an app like ArtPlacer to see how it looks on the wall and choose the type of framing that might work best for the style of your home.
Large wall art takes planning, but if this is something that you are interested in, I am here to help you create animal art and pet wall art that is uniquely yours for your home.
Tip: Go as big as you dare! I can print as large as you want. A favorite size by clients is 24 x 30 as they hang over a fireplace mantel or entry wall in their home.
All my large prints are fine art quality prints. I suggest having a framing professional help with the finished framing, or dust, wrinkles, and fingerprints can quickly become part of the photograph. If using a standard-size frame, Blick Art Supplies can help you assemble your fine art print when purchasing from them. Or visit a neighborhood frame shop, like Iolo Iolo and Foursided in Andersonville, to increase the good vibes of your pet portrait by supporting a local small business.
4. Custom Dog Portraits in Grids and Rows
Tell a story with a grid or row of dynamic expressions of your pet.
Organized grids and rows provide a structured and contemporary aesthetic while telling a personal story.
Choose frames of the same size and shape.
Arrange them in a grid pattern for a clean and sophisticated look.
Experiment with different grid arrangements, such as symmetrical or asymmetrical, to find a layout that suits your style.
Tip: A series of three to five related images from the same session can show the many unique personalities of your pet. Horizontal rows are great, but remember, a grid of four framed prints also can make a statement on the wall.
5. Pet Photography on Floating Shelf Ledges
Floating shelf ledges are flexible and allow for easy rotation of displayed photographs, accommodating larger framed art pieces. I am always inspired when walking into a friend's artistic home and seeing the modern and versatile way of expressing his work on a floating ledge.
Floating ledges provide a clean, organized look, allowing artwork to take center stage.
Choose uniform frames for a cohesive appearance or mix and match for a more eclectic feel.
Arrange frames with pet portraits along the shelf or layer smaller pieces in front of larger ones for added depth.
Tip: When choosing a floating ledge, consider the depth of the shelf for how many items you want to display. You will need a deeper ledge to set one framed photo before the other. Consider the artwork size versus the framed size, as 11x17 finished prints can quickly become 16x20 framed artwork. You can find floating ledges online or at home stores, such as Room and Board, CB2, Crate and Barrel, and Ikea.
Pet portrait photography on display
Pet artwork goes as far back in history as 800 BC when Greeks showed their fondness for dogs. They created mosaics, pottery, sculptures, and other pieces of artwork featuring their image.
European classical paintings also illustrated dogs as man's best friend. This is a clear symbol of loyalty to their pets; their dogs became an integral subject to commissioned artwork in homes.
While I am a professional pet photographer, not a classical painter, I draw inspiration from their techniques with the artistic refinement of composition, lighting, and attention to detail. Plus, a bit of luck when photographing animals in the photo studio.
When it all comes together, seeing your pet's unique personality and charm captured in a photo is magical. Or yourself with the bond between you and your best friend.
How will you display your dog photography portraits?
In my opinion, pet photography is well worth displaying and looking at every day.
With the tips I've shared in this article about how to display dog photography portraits in your home, I hope that now you are feeling inspired by the possibility and have many ideas for how to celebrate your pet in style.
Whether you opt for a classic gallery wall or a striking piece of large wall art, the key to displaying pet photography is to be confident and infuse your unique style into its presentation. Then, you can turn your living space into a reflection of what matters most to you, creating a warm, inviting, and visually captivating atmosphere for you and your guests.
Let's make pet portrait art together!
Get in touch to enquire about my custom pet portrait service and to discover how I can help you create bespoke wall art and prints of your pet to display beautifully in your home.