Best Photos to Use for Acrylic Prints Custom: Tips from Professionals

When it comes to transforming your favorite photos into stunning pieces of art, acrylic prints offer a sleek, modern, and high-quality option. With their vibrant colors, crisp details, and shiny finish, acrylic prints are becoming one of the most popular choices for displaying photos at home or in the office. However, not all photos are suitable for acrylic prints. Choosing the right photo can make all the difference in the final result. In this blog, we’ll share professional tips on selecting the best photos for custom acrylic prints that will ensure your artwork stands out.

Why Choose Acrylic Prints?

Before diving into the types of photos best suited for acrylic prints, let’s take a quick look at why acrylic prints are such a great choice for custom photo art. Acrylic prints involve printing a photo onto an acrylic sheet, often with a glossy or matte finish. The result is a high-definition, vibrant print that truly brings out the colors and details in your photo. Some benefits of acrylic prints include:

• Durability: Acrylic prints are strong and shatter-resistant, making them perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.
• High-Quality Finish: The glossy surface of acrylic prints enhances the colors, giving them a sharp, crystal-clear look.
• Sleek, Modern Design: The clean, frameless design of acrylic prints gives your photos a contemporary, professional feel.
• Versatility: Whether you’re printing family photos, artwork, or nature scenes, acrylic prints suit any style of decor.

Now that we know why acrylic prints are a great option, let’s dive into the types of photos that work best for this custom print medium.

1. High-Resolution Images

The key to any great print is starting with a high-quality image. When selecting photos for acrylic prints, always ensure that the image is high resolution. Low-resolution images may appear pixelated or blurry when enlarged, which can negatively impact the overall look of your acrylic print. For the best results, aim for photos with at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). This will ensure your photo remains crisp and clear even when printed on a large acrylic sheet.

2. Bright, Bold Colors

Acrylic prints are known for their vibrant, glossy finish, which makes them perfect for photos with bright, bold colors. Images that feature rich, saturated hues will really pop on acrylic. Whether it’s a landscape with a beautiful sunset, a family portrait with vivid clothing, or a floral close-up, bold colors will stand out and make a statement.

If your photo has soft or muted tones, consider enhancing the contrast and saturation slightly during editing to bring out the colors. Acrylic prints excel in showcasing photos with depth and vibrancy, so be sure to choose images that can take full advantage of this.

3. Detailed Images

Acrylic prints are ideal for showcasing photos with fine details. The glossy finish of the acrylic enhances sharp lines, textures, and intricate elements, making it perfect for high-contrast and detail-rich images. For example, a close-up of a flower with dew drops, a scenic cityscape with architectural details, or a portrait with detailed hair and clothing textures would make great acrylic prints.

However, be mindful of images with too much grain or noise in the details. These can detract from the crisp, clear effect that acrylic prints offer. Try to choose photos that have clean lines and clear features to make the most out of your acrylic print.

4. Portraits and Close-Up Shots

Acrylic prints are perfect for portraits and close-up photos, as the material can capture the nuances of skin tones and facial features beautifully. If you're looking to create a striking, modern piece of art for your living room, bedroom, or office, consider turning a family or individual portrait into an acrylic print.

For a professional finish, choose images where the subject is in sharp focus and the lighting is even. Natural light or well-lit indoor settings work best for close-up shots, as they help avoid harsh shadows or overexposure, resulting in a clearer, more vibrant print.

5. Minimalist and Modern Shots

Acrylic prints work exceptionally well with minimalist photos, where there is a clear focal point and a clean, uncluttered background. Think of a solitary object, such as a well-composed still life, a single flower against a neutral background, or a clean architectural shot. These types of images have the power to be striking and sophisticated when displayed on acrylic.

The glossy, reflective surface of acrylic enhances the simplicity and elegance of minimalist shots, allowing them to stand out as modern art pieces. The cleaner and less busy the image, the more impactful it will be as an acrylic print.

6. Black and White Photos

While acrylic prints are known for their vibrancy, black and white photos also look stunning when printed on acrylic. The sleek surface of acrylic allows black and white images to take on a timeless, high-contrast look. This is especially true for dramatic portraits, street photography, or fine art photos that rely on shadows and lighting to create mood.

If you have a favorite black and white family photo or a classic shot that’s rich in contrast, consider printing it on acrylic for a striking, sophisticated piece of art.

7. Landscape and Nature Photography

One of the most popular types of photos for acrylic prints is landscape and nature photography. From majestic mountain ranges and serene beach views to vibrant forest scenes, nature photography can make an incredible statement on acrylic. The clarity of the print enhances the vivid colors and intricate textures found in nature, making it appear almost lifelike.

To make the most out of your landscape photo on acrylic, make sure the composition is strong and the image is well-exposed. A photo with clear skies, lush greenery, or colorful sunsets will shine on acrylic, creating a beautiful piece of wall art.

Tips for Preparing Your Photos for Acrylic Prints

Once you’ve chosen the best photo for your acrylic print, there are a few things to consider before submitting your image:

• Cropping and Composition: Pay attention to the composition of the photo. You may want to crop the image to fit the desired dimensions of the acrylic print or adjust the framing for better balance.
• Color Correction: If your photo looks dull or has uneven lighting, consider adjusting the color and brightness to ensure it will look vibrant on acrylic.
• File Format: Make sure your photo is saved in a high-quality file format like TIFF or PNG to maintain its resolution and clarity.

Acrylic prints are an excellent choice for displaying your favorite photos in a modern and stylish way. By selecting high-resolution images with vibrant colors, sharp details, and good contrast, you can ensure that your acrylic print will be a stunning addition to your home or office. Whether you're printing a family portrait, a beautiful landscape, or a piece of abstract art, acrylic prints will help bring your photos to life in a whole new way.

So why not bring your memories to life today? Turn your best photos into custom acrylic prints and enjoy a piece of art that will last for years. Visit Custom Canvas NZ to explore our range of acrylic print options and create a masterpiece with your favorite photos.