Let's be honest; there's a huge difference between a selfie and a professional photo. But with just a few simple tricks you can start turning your point and shoot snapshots into memorable works of art.

Having your flash right above your lens is the quickest way to a photo that looks like it was taken in the county jail. Direct flash is harsh, unflattering, and creates deep, dark shadows. And it's easy to fix; just move your flash. Most modern flashes have a technology call TTL (Through The Lens), which lets your DSLR control it at a distance, provided the flash has a line of sight to the camera. The specifics of how this work change from camera to camera, but for the most part the camera body will tell your flash what to do. If you have an older flash, you can pick up a PC cable for around $20 and hardwire your flash to the camera. Some DSLRs have a dedicated PC port for that cable, others will attach to your hot shoe. And you don't have to move your flash halfway across the room. Just shifting it a few feet to one side will help your photos immensely. 

Contrary to popular belief, photographers are still printing their images. Online photo printing is actually quite popular. Photo printing actually went up with 11 percent in 2012, as compared to 2008 in Europe, and grew with about 20% annually between 2007 and 2012 according to market research firms. The decade of digital photo printing is just starting to reveal its best alternatives.

Though you might think that most people only keep their photos on their computer, many print them. The digital cameras, the ability to transfer photos online and the improvement of broadband and mobile Internet connections allows people to make digital photos but they want to print and display them as well through print service providers.

There are local print shops and labs too at drugstores, warehouse clubs or stores. But it's easier and time-saving to use an online service. You'll go through the whole process right in the comfort of your bedroom and you'll get the print at your doorstep.

Some of the online providers are regular print shops that boosted their sales due to the Internet presence. A good example is Bay Photo Lab from Northern California, company that keeps up with the latest technology. Others are new businesses that adapted to the demands in the industry.

The most popular products are:

Canvas prints
Canvas prints are very valuable because they represent the perfect combination between the classic canvas and the new era of technology. In the U.S., they account for 12% of the online market in the field of photo printing and the number is continuously growing as more people find out about this solution.

It’s highly appealing to know that you can turn the photo you made into a ready-to-hang work of art. Canvas prints are very sophisticated and provide a truly one-of-a-kind classic experience that amazes the viewers.

There is a thriving industry online. There are framed prints and various do-it-yourself framing supplies so you don't have to worry that you won't be able to frame your canvas print because it has a non-standard size.

Alternative prints such as metal prints, printing on wood, and tile photo transfers.

This is the probably most creative part of photography. Printing on unusual surfaces doesn't only bring novelty and interest, but it provides the most durable prints, which will pass the cruel test of time. Metal prints stands out as they provides a great price per value, as well as an unbelievable quality and clarity of the image.

Paper prints
They are the traditional version of prints but, though they are prone to damage, they still represent most of the online photo printing market in the United States. Statistics show that they take about 48%, which is a great number. Due to inkjet machines, many people print their photos at home. For more advanced results, they hire a photo printing company.

Photo books
Self-published instant books. The costs for a personalized photo book with your images starts at $12.99.

In ancient times Wood Panels were used by artists as the support media for their paintings. Typically, a single, flat piece of wood was used for small paintings, while a number of attached pieces were used to form a larger surface. Several single panels often created a series of paintings that illustrated a story. 

The oldest surviving wood panel paintings are painted tablets from Greece. Early forms of wood panel paintings were religious images creating altar backs, altar fronts, and crucifixes in churches. Later, artists employed wood panels of smaller sizes for portraits, and miniatures for illuminated manuscripts. The most famous wood panel portrait is Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Oak was the preferred wood for many painters, but white poplar, beech, cedar, chestnut, teak, and walnut were also used. The seasoned wood was planed and sanded then coated with a glue and 15 layers of gesso which provided an absorbent ground for tempra and oil paints. 

By the 16th century, canvas replaced wood panels as the favored support media for painters. Flemish and Dutch Realist artists continued using wood panels for small works and miniatures. Over the centuries canvas continued to be the king of support media, but today that has changed. The resurgence of wood panels for painting threatens canvas' reign. 

Wood panels are strong, rigid, and easily accepts a variety of paints from oils to watercolors. Panels showcase detailed and fine brushwork. The grain of the wood itself can be incorporated into the art for a unique finish. Photographers have now adapted wood panels into their work.

As an alternative to framing, wood panels appear to float on the wall. They have a natural, yet contemporary look. Completely sustainable and eco-friendly, wood panels give photographs a longevity and durability that will keep them looking fresh for years to come. Plus, wood panels go with any decor.

Anyone can create beautiful wood panel photo prints. Just contact us to get started.

Whether the perfect shot of a child crossing the finish line, concentrating at a piano recital, or their smudged face after a well-fought baseball game, these performance photos have a special place in the heart of those that love them.    Click•Scan•Share's metal prints are a unique way to turn these captured moments into a piece of art for your home or as a gift for their coach or other loved one.