Have you ever looked through the Facebook profiles of your old high school friends and just thought, “I’m glad that we drifted apart before that guy became a complete and utter moron”. Well, you’re not alone, and let’s face it: the reason you think he’s a moron is because he spends all of his time posting pictures of himself looking completely drunk, or of his dog spread out on the sofa, or posing bare chested in the mirror.

Well, we for one are just sick of it, so we decided to produce the definitive guide to choosing your next profile picture. If you see anybody breaking any of these rules then make sure they see this handy little infographic, and hopefully we can make the world a much brighter place. No longer will your timeline be crammed with people wearing stupid hats or cats being made to pose for blindingly bright iPhone flash photography. We don’t even feel like you need to thank us for this one. We’re just happy to do our bit.

(more…)

Online photo printing can be so much more than getting hard copy prints of your most precious moments. There is an entire world of possibility when it comes to printing, including personalised greeting cards and even bespoke toys and gifts. If you’ve ever had an idea for a mug or a toy, but just needed the means to print it, then Photoworld is your best bet to realise those ideas. One of the most novel gifts is a photo jigsaw puzzle which is the perfect way to make a picture more meaningful. All you need to do is use our online platform to upload your photo or picture to our site which will then be printed onto a blank jigsaw set. The recipient can then have fun gradually putting the image together to reveal something more special than the standard fare of random images.

We have many other personalised gifts as well which vary in price, giving options for everyone. Personalised cushions are a great way to add some colour and vibrancy to a room and you can even personalise it with a picture of a loved one. The high quality microfibre covers lend themselves perfectly to photos, but it doesn’t have to only be a photo. If you have a piece of artwork that you think will look perfect on a cushion, this is a great way to test out your idea. With 3 sizes of photo cushion to choose from, you will be able to find the perfect cushion for your room. Alternatively, mugs are an equally great way to personalise your belongings in a way that will always remind you of a loved one or a special time. Our latte mugs are taller than standard mugs, making them perfect for a picture that will make this simple cup special to you.

With Photoworld pictures can also applied to personal devices such as phone and tablet cases and mouse mats. Our personalised iPhone, iPad and Galaxy cases are the perfect opportunity to deck your phone out in something more individualised and memorable than the generic options on the market. The iPad is a particularly good option since its large flat back is perfect for a full size photo. The cases are of course designed to keep the device itself in good condition, safe from any dents or knocks, but there is no reason why you can’t give it a stylish and personalised look.

A winter favourite is always the snow globe. We have high quality, toughened plastic globes that are a pleasure to pick up and shake into a snowstorm. The great thing is that the back image can be customised with whatever you wish. These look great on a mantlepiece since the picture is vibrant enough to be visible to all and will naturally attract attention. It is the perfect combination of a perfect memory with the poetry of a snowstorm. At just £6.99, it is an affordable and unique gift for those winter months when the heart needs warming the most.

At Photoworld we specialise in quality photo books that can bring your most treasured pictures to life. Of course, when you have a platform like this we can only provide you with the best quality prints and photobooks, it is you that has to provide the photos to go with it. With a wide variety of sizes on offer including large landscape to xxl portrait sizes with a variety of paper types and covers, all you need to do is select the format that is best going to suit your intentions. For instance, making a photo book of portraits might be best if you use a large portrait size, followed by a hard cover with glossy or matt photo paper inside. This can really give a super high quality look to the photos that you have taken and with up to 154 pages per book, you won’t be struggling for space.

When creating personalised photo books there is a very clear artistic and commercial use that can be taken advantage of. These books aren’t restricted to being personal family albums since they can make excellent catalogues, particularly when you select the glossy page finish option. If you have a set of products that you are looking to show off in a classy way and perhaps want to send them to clients or customers, then a book like this can really help to sell. Alternatively, if you are an artist – photography or otherwise – this is the perfect way to create a portfolio that demonstrates your abilities. There really is nothing like having a physical book to hold that is so much more impressive than pixels on a computer screen, which many people are at risk of becoming over exposed to.

Selecting the correct paper for your application will be all important to getting the best out of your pictures. There are a variety of standard paper pages on offering including high quality which weighs 200g/m2 and is available in both hard and softcover varieties while the 150g/m2 options are available in book and booklet form and the XXL landscape photobook comes with premium linen or faux leather covers and has pages weighing in at 250g/m2.

The glossy finish paper really adds a quality sheen to all pictures and really helps to make maximum use of the 200 gsm digital print paper. This can be perfect for catalogues which may see a lot of use, since the glossy paper will be better protected against marks and moisture damage. Glossy photo paper builds on this and creates an even more glossy sheen which can create very brilliant colours and is a pleasure to look at. On the other hand matt photo paper provides realistic colour reproduction while also giving a great depth of field with fine details. With an accordion binding, pictures can be printed across the spine to create double page spreads. Each of these will give you superb picture reproduction with the glossy and matt options coming in more expensive.

When it comes to serious photo printing, there is no better way than to draw attention than with photos on canvas. Canvasses automatically bring thoughts of art and paintings to the fore, but there is no reason why a photo cannot be printed on this, combining the artfulness of the medium with the crystal clear look of a beautiful and important photograph. With its texturing premium quality poly cotton surface the photo will have a distinctive look that will draw attention to whichever photo you deem to be worthy of such a classy presentation. As you would expect with canvasses, it is mounted on a wooden frame measuring 17mm, but the great aspect of this surface is that it is UV resistant meaning you will get less fade if the picture spends time in the sun. We also provide the canvas with hanging fittings as well as artist backing tape.

Free Your Imagination

Letting your imagination run riot is the best suggestion when it comes to canvas, particularly when we have so many different sizes and varieties on offer. You can of course select a single square 30 cm2 panel and display the one picture, but this isn’t a requirement. We have sizes increasing from 40 to 50 to 60 cm2 while we also have landscape and portrait aspects so you can find the perfect shape and size for your photographs. However, one of the best options is the mosaic option that you can use to create a montage of photos or create a complete picture. For instance this is one of the best options if you have taken a panoramic picture. Alternatively, you can put the rapid photo option to staggering use by creating a montage of still pictures that hints at animation or movement. Effectively all you would need is a simple piece of photo editing software and you could stitch the pictures together and arrange the panels however you wish when you put them up on your wall. Alternatively we can help you to create a collage if you don’t want to use a separate piece of software.

Quality Guaranteed

With our printing you can always be assured that your colours will come out looking brilliant and vibrant, if of course you are printing in colour. With our reflection free 12 colour printing process you will get a super-high resolution image which will look crisp and clear. Of course, this does depend on the image quality of the upload, so it is recommended not to compress the image so much that degradation appears. When creating mosaic panels from our canvases, its a good idea to leave around an inch or so of a gap between each picture, since this can create a more stark image on your wall. You can always create the classic ‘window’ effect by placing 4 squares an inch or so away from each other so they imitate the look of the window frame.

Within 5 minutes you could have a beautiful tribute to one of your favourite images.

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a bit of an amateur photographer, then why not immortalise your work in a high quality calendar? Many people look back on the photos they have taken over the years and see the worth and merit in their craft – the meaningfulness of holiday snaps and important family milestones capturing an ineffable quality that really deserves more than to be seen only on a computer screen. Online photo printing with Photoworld is the answer being able to print to your budget and bring your precious photos to life in the form of personalised photo calendars. Then everyone can marvel at your eye for a great picture, as well as it being an important family keepsake that can always remind you of happy times. At Photoworld we have options to suit your budget and imagination including A4, A3 and A2 printing sizes in portrait and landscape so you can choose the perfect size for the wall space that you have available. You can hang them in your home to or at work, providing that perfect reminder while you are away from home.

The most basic and popular personalised calendars we have are A4. These aren’t so big that you will have to move around other wall hangings and you will be easily able to find space. It is a great idea to compile pictures from many different seasons so you can experience the memories along with the year’s progression. The spiral binding hangers are easy to mount and only need a hook or nail in the wall while you can also select a cover page which can represent all of your efforts. The paper is high quality at 250 g/m2 and you can specify the month that you would like for it to begin at as well as selecting one of the design templates that we have created especially for calendar layouts. For some variety you can customise each page, perhaps putting more than one photo together if you wish, since from one period it may be hard to select a single shot. A landscape wall calendar is a great option if you are wanting to put more than one photo side by side. By giving it some creative thought you can put progressive images together to give more a sense of perspective and immersion in the time when those photos were taken.

Desktop calendars are a great alternative to the traditional calendars since they can be placed wherever you are working. Printed on the same high quality paper and printed at high resolutions this spiral binding free standing option is a vibrant and colourful way to disappear into a memory or spark your imagination when you need it most. Of course, not forgetting the functional aspect of calendars, the days and months are clearly marked with each box big enough for you to highlight while weekends are also marked out. A kitchen calendar is however one of the best options when it comes to making notes on each date – possibly appointment reminders and birthdays.

By definition, special events don’t happen every day and, when they do, it’s important that you celebrate and treasure them. Events that you hold dear may include the arrival of a new baby into the world, weddings, milestone anniversaries and birthdays and memorable holidays with loved ones.

One of the best ways to commemorate these things is by investing in personalised photo books. It’s now easy to source these products and each time you flip open their pages, you’ll instantly be transported back in time and you’ll be able to reminisce with ease.

Make sure your camera’s on standby

Of course, you won’t get very far in your efforts if you don’t take those all-important snaps in the first place. It’s impossible to make a good photo book if you don’t have enough images to put in it.

These days, you don’t need a top of the range camera to hand in order to get the pictures you’re looking for. Most mobile phones now take decent images, along with many tablet computers, and it’s also possible to pick up inexpensive digital cameras.

Organising your pics

When you come to create your photo books it’s helpful to adopt a methodical approach. Rather than adding the pictures in a random fashion, it pays off to think carefully about how to achieve the best results.

You might place the snaps into categories based on who’s in them or where they are taken. Another option is to arrange them chronologically. This is a great way of telling a story through images.

A flexible approach

Here at Photoworld we’re perfectly placed to help you create superb photo books. We appreciate the importance of meeting our customers’ every expectation and that’s why we offer such an array of options.

If you use our website, you can take your pick from over 170 different layouts and 400 background designs. Also, you can choose from six different cover designs and four paper types. Your choices don’t end there. You can also make your selection from eight different book sizes.

Your style

The designs and templates you go for will depend on your personal tastes and the sort of book you’re trying to create. If you’d like something bold and eye-catching, you might prefer a colourful and patterned book. On the other hand, if you’re trying to create something with real sentimental or romantic value, perhaps something more understated would be preferable.

Easy

Even if you’ve never created anything like this before, you won’t struggle to achieve the effects you’re after. Our website is very simple to use and within no time, your finished design should be ready for ordering. Then all you have to do is sit back and wait for it to arrive at your doorstep.

More info

If you’d like to find out more about our services and decide whether or not to order photo books online, just take a look around the rest of our website. We also offer a range of other products, including mouse mats, mugs, snow globes, phone covers and more.

Taking that perfect photo can be a great feeling. Sometimes, through skill and perhaps a little luck, everything seems to line up to create a truly special image.

The only trouble is, what do you do with these snaps once you’ve captured them? These days, pictures often stay hidden away on memory sticks or in computer files, to be viewed only occasionally. This is a shame, not least because computer screens fail to do justice to the best photos.

Thankfully, there’s one simple and inexpensive option that might be ideal for your most successful efforts behind the lens. By taking advantage of online photo printing, you can exhibit images in a range of formats.

Some inspiration

You might look to the efforts of others when you’re seeking inspiration for your photography and a competition run by manufacturers’ organisation the EEF could get your creative juices flowing.

Recently, it staged the 2012 EEF Photography Awards. In total, more than 800 entries were sent in and, of these, 87 were shortlisted. Participants were asked to reflect and champion the spirit of UK manufacturing. During a ceremony at the House of Commons in London, Mike Smith took the top spot with his snap entitled ‘Precision’. It was a kaleidoscopic shot down self-contained hydrodynamic bearings produced by Rolls Royce.

Also in the spotlight

Also receiving plaudits were Robert Watkins and Tamika Morris. Mr Watkins won first place in the amateur category with his picture of a welder applying the finishing touches to a filter at Crofts Engineering Services. Meanwhile, Ms Morris headed up the young photographer category with her snap of the Olympic Torch against a black and white audience.

Top quality

Commenting on the awards, EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler said: “We are delighted to see that the quantity and quality of the EEF Photography Awards has grown year on year. Manufacturing is exciting and constantly evolving, and we are proud of all of our entrants who have helped us redefine the public perception of manufacturing with their eclectic range of images.”

Posters

One fantastic way to showcase your own efforts is to invest in poster prints. By enlarging the images in this way, you can really bring out their qualities and the items look superb in a whole range of scenarios. For example, you can use them to brighten up your living room, kitchen or bedroom walls, or you might opt to place them in your office.

Seeing your photos printed out in this large format can be really satisfying and it is a great way to complete the process. You can even get creative and make collage posters featuring a number of images.

Canvases

Another option is to take advantage of canvas printing. The finished products have a real impact and they can make photos look particularly professional and impressive.

Here at Photoworld we offer a number of different versions, including special multi-panel canvases that enable you to print across two, three or four panels. To see how we can help you make the most of your images, just take a look around our website.

At this time of year, your brain might be saturated with gift ideas. Like lots of people, you may have spent many weeks trying to think of the perfect presents for your loved ones.

However, if you haven’t yet checked out the fantastic range of photo gifts that are available, you might have been missing a trick. The problem with many of the high street products you can pick up off the shelves is they lack that personal touch. Personalised photo presents are the opposite. By definition, they are individual and can have real impact.

Easy as that

Here at Photoworld we offer a wide range of superb products that might be perfect for your friends and family. The great thing is, buying items from us couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is find something that catches your eye and you think would make a great offering, upload the relevant picture or set of pictures and then place your order.

It’s as simple as that. By purchasing items like this, you can avoid the miserable winter weather and you won’t have to fight your way through hoards of festive shoppers.

Time for a brew?

If there’s one thing Brits are renowned for it’s their love of tea and coffee breaks. Taking time out to stop for a warm, revitalising beverage and perhaps to have a natter at the same time is now part of our national heritage.

What better present to hand over to your loved ones then than a personalised photo mug? This can make those all important brews even more enjoyable and you can be sure that lucky recipients will get plenty of use out of the items. We even offer special latte mugs now that are bigger than traditional versions.

For added impact, you could fill the drinking vessel with chocolates or drinking sachets before you hand it over.

Snuggling up with personalised cushions

Another option you might want to consider is a personalised cushion. Every home needs cushions and specially adapted versions featuring photos can help to add charm and detail to lounges, bedrooms and other areas.

The image you select will be professionally printed using a special technology that draws ink deep into the fibres for long-lasting bright colours. Meanwhile, the microfibre surface is especially soft to the touch, making it feel luxurious.

Decorations never go a miss

Also, your friends and family might appreciate decorative items for their homes. We offer special photo acrylic blocks that can brighten areas up. These freestanding products have a modern, chic look and they feature 19mm thick toughened glass. Your photo is printed directing onto this material.

Meanwhile, don’t overlook our photo snow globes. These delightful little objects can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Check it out

If you like the idea of any of these products, or you want to check out our iPhone or iPad covers, or any of the other photo gifts we offer, just take a look around our website. When it comes to photo printing, you can see us as your one-stop-shop.

If you’re looking for simple, quick and inexpensive ways to spruce up your home, you might want to consider transferring some of your photos to canvas. It’s now easier than ever before to achieve this and the results can be impressive.

Placing the wall art around your rooms can instantly add colour and drama to the spaces and it is also a great way to show off your creative side and to introduce a really personal touch to your property.

House proud Brits

You’re certainly not alone in being house proud and wanting your property to look its best. According to research conducted by Helpucover, more than eight in ten UK consumers have been making enhancement to their houses and flats.

It polled a total of 5,800 adults and revealed that 84 per cent of them had spent up to £5,000 over the last four years making home improvements. This was despite the fact that UK national and household incomes fell by more than 13 per cent this year compared with the start of the recession in 2008.

Splashing out

The sort of changes you make to your property will no doubt in part be determined by your budget. Helpucover noted that while 31 per cent of respondents spent between £1,000 and £3,000 on doing up their properties, one per cent splashed out in excess of £30,000.

The great thing about canvas prints is the fact that they cost very little. This means that, regardless of your spending limit, you shouldn’t struggle to get hold of them.

Not sticking around

Meanwhile, it seems as though many Brits have got itchy feet when it comes to their homes. Of the individuals polled, more than half revealed they don’t consider their current properties to be their homes for life.

Of course, if you invest in some fabulous canvas prints for your living room, bedroom or another area in your house or flat, you can always pack them and take them with you if and when you move on.

Still spending

Commenting on the findings, Helpucover’s Sarah Potter said: “Despite 56 per cent of us wanting to move on from where we’re living and the UK having been in recession, our survey shows that we’re still spending money on home improvements.”

Choose wisely

Before you go ahead and make use of online photo printing to help jazz your walls up, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the images you’ll use. You might decide to go for a family theme and put up snaps of your loved ones. This can add a real sense of homeliness to your rooms. Another option is to choose pictures that complement your decor. For example, if you’re trying to create a calming space, perhaps some tranquil and inviting beach photos or landscapes would be perfect.

When it comes to wall art like this, you can really let your imagination run wild. Meanwhile, any time you fancy a change, you can always stick the canvases in your loft and order some new ones.

Although choosing Christmas presents for male friends and relatives can be fun and pleasurable, there’s no getting away from the fact that finding different and appealing gifts year after year can be more than a little challenging at times. Indeed, the task of searching for men’s gifts which are apt, original and affordable can often feel Herculean, especially if you’re working on a limited budget.

This is perhaps why there are so many old jokes still in circulation about men receiving endless pairs of socks at Christmas or the same aftershave box set year after year. Whilst they may only be humorous asides, there is definitely more than a grain of truth in them.

Of course, the purists amongst you may say that “It’s the thought that counts”. Well, whilst this may well be true; it is unlikely to provide much solace to anyone who has received the same gifts every Christmas for the last five years.

Whilst it may be easy to lay the blame for these uninspired gift choices with the sender, it is not entirely fair to do so. After all, the Christmas gift options available for men in most popular shopping outlets are unbelievably bland and generic. Indeed, if you look around any large department store’s ‘Christmas gift ideas for men’ department, you will inevitably be greeted with the same tired old clichés, such as ‘wacky’ ties, battery powered gadgets and whiskey decanters in the shape of a golfer.

The truth is that most retailers tend to treat men as a homogenised mass, all with the same tastes and likes. Therefore, it really should come as little surprise that so many men can ‘look forward’ to opening a truly uninspired gift or three on Christmas morning.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Indeed, if you want to swim against the stream and buy one or two of your male friends or family members a truly thoughtful gift then you will be pleased to know that we here at Photoworld can help.

To be sure, our innovative online photo printing services can make excellent use of your recipient’s most treasured digital photos and create inspired Christmas photo gifts that are bound to blow their (snowman-themed) socks off!

It doesn’t matter if you want to surprise them with a luxurious gift such as a beautifully rendered personalised photo book or heart-warming canvas print, or spend just a few pounds on a cheerful stocking filler like an image emblazoned T-shirt or personalised coffee mug; we here at Photoworld have everything covered.

Similarly, we also have a whole range of personalised phone skins, mouse mats, snow globes and acrylic blocks which are guaranteed to be gratefully received by men of all ages.

So, why go for the ‘same old, same old’ when far more inspiring Christmas gift ideas are no more than a few mouse clicks away?

To be sure, the men in your life will certainly be pleased with a different approach!