A picture is worth a thousand words

A picture is worth a thousand words

Personalised photographic gifts make timeless and cherished presents; presents that you give that will capture special moments forever and can be enjoyed year after year.

With the amazing advancements in digital imaging technology in recent times, it’s become easy to transform your favourite photos into perfect personalised gifts. With online printing services, it’s easy to get a high quality print of any photo you choose. You can turn precious memories into stunning, tangible items.

These make perfect presents for any number of special occasions; from birthdays and anniversaries, to weddings, newborn arrivals and Christmas.

When it comes to personalised photographic gifts, the sky is the limit! You can choose from beautiful frames, albums, photo-books or even jigsaws made from your own carefully chosen photos. With the range of professional products available, you can be sure to find the perfect gift to make the day special. You can even have a special occasion such as a wedding or birthday included on your item of choice to make it entirely personal. You can get more ideas on mixbook.com.

Personalised photographic gifts are a unique way of showing someone that you care. With a wide range of options, you can be sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a canvas print, photo mug, or memory album, a personalised photographic gift is sure to be appreciated.

Personalised wall art from Asda Photo

Wall art

Canvas prints – these can take the form of one large statement piece or a group of smaller pictures. They will be on permanent display in your home, cheering you up every time you pass by or get the chance to stop & stare. Landscapes or individual portraits work very well for the larger canvases. Perhaps you’ve captured a gorgeous image of a family member on your phone (or had it professionally done in a studio). It can be reproduced to whatever size you require to fill a specific space – perhaps above the sofa or fireplace. A selection of smaller canvases provides the perfect opportunity to get creative. You could arrange pictures on a gallery wall; in a long row, perhaps up the stairs or along a corridor – or juxtaposition different shapes & sizes. Perhaps there’s a theme to consider – children, pets, wildlife, garden shots, hobbies – the possibilities are endless!

Personalised greeting cards from Asda Photo

Greeting cards & invitations

Nothing beats getting a letter or card from someone special. It’s become even more significant these days, as much of our correspondence takes the virtual form of email and phone messaging. So a personalised card could be the perfect idea – whether it be to congratulate someone, invite friends & family to a wedding or house-warming, mark a special occasion or just to send your love!

Personalised calendar from Asda Photo

Calendars & diaries

Calendars and diaries are used and looked at every day of the week for the entire year. With personalised pages, each new month can begin with a different photo of family members, snaps of favourite holiday destinations, inspirational recipe ideas, maybe. You’ll look forward to each new image appearing when a page is turned!

Personalised mugs from Asda Photo

Tea & coffee mugs

If you’re looking for something usable and practical, custom photo mugs are a great option – especially if the recipient is a hot drink addict. Whether you opt for a ceramic mug or a travel mug, you can upload any photo for an eye-catching design that truly stands out. Photo mugs are a fun way to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while appreciating a meaningful image.

Personalised cushion from Asda Photo

Cushions & blankets

A double hit of positivity! The comfort of the cushion or blanket combined with the warm glow of a favourite picture – whether it be a favourite person or a memorable place. Perhaps they could reflect the landscape that surrounds your home – think beach huts or shells if you live by the sea, trees or wildlife if you live in the countryside – and perhaps cityscapes or favourite buildings if you live in a more urban setting. They could capture your favourite pets, both past & present. If they’re allowed on the furniture, we’re sure that a soft cushion will get the thumbs up (or paws up) from your treasured pooch too!

Whatever personalised photographic gift you choose, you can make it entirely yours and capture the moment forever.

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Designer Desire: Annie Leibovitz

Montage of Annie Leibovitz photographs

It dawned on me this week that I rarely feature photography on our Designer Desire series… so I’m remedying that this week by highlighting my favourite photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

Annie Leibovitz is a famous (and infamous) American photographer best known for her portraits of celebrities in politics, sports, the arts, fashion and Hollywood.

It was in 1968, as a student at the San Francisco Art Institute, that Leibovitz purchased her first camera.

I have always thought of my work as art… I really thought I could take pictures in this landscape of magazines.

Leibovitz has created some of the most iconic images of the 20th century; Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA album cover, a naked and heavily pregnant Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg in a bathful of milk and the portrait of John Lennon & Yoko Ono – a photograph that was taken a mere 5 hours before he was shot and killed outside his home in New York.

She also photo-documented many great historical events including the Apollo 17 mission, many of the Rolling Stones tours, the 1972 US presidential campaign alongside the journalists Hunter S. Thompson and Timothy Crouse and Richard Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal.

Leibovitz has had an enduring and successful relationship with Rolling Stone (from 1973) and Vanity Fair (from 1983) magazines. While still a student, in 1970, she approached Rolling Stone magazine – just three years after its inception – with some of her photographs. A few of them were published, thus beginning her long career as a photojournalist and embarking on what would become a symbiotic relationship between the young photographer and a magazine famous for reflecting the American zeitgeist. Leibovitz’s first major assignment, in 1971, was for a cover story on John Lennon.

In March 2007, Leibovitz became the first American to create an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. They were commissioned by the Royal Household to celebrate the monarch’s official state visit to the USA.

Portrait of Annie Leibovitzcredit

All image credits: © Annie Leibovitz

Etsy List: Say Cheese!

'Etsy List' blog post banner

'Say Cheese!' Etsy List curated by H is for Home

It’s National Camera Day today!

We’d certainly be lost without ours. The camera is an essential piece of kit for our lifestyle & business – whether it’s the blogging or selling side of things. We like one that’s compact in size, but has a good quality lens – with ‘point & shoot’ and ‘messing about’ options!

We’ve actually got two of what we’d call ‘proper’ cameras – so there’s always one available for home shoots, auction views, markets or days out… plus 2 camera phones of course. No excuse not to get the shot then!

To mark the day we’ve chosen a selection of favourite ‘camera collectables’ we found on Etsy.

Say Cheese!
Curated by H is for Home