Metal might not be the first material that comes to mind when it comes to prints, but if you’re serious about delivering vibrant, long-lasting images, metal prints are where it’s at.
Over the past six years, I’ve reviewed nearly 200 prints across various mediums – metal, canvas, acrylic – and seen the best (and worst) the industry offers. Running PhotographyTalk, I hear firsthand from photographers about what works, what doesn’t, and the occasional horror story that makes you cringe. But today, I want to focus on what makes a metal print great, and more specifically, why Shiny Prints has managed to blow me away time and time again.
When you think about what makes a metal print stand out, there are six key elements to pay attention to:
- Color
- Frame
- Image detail
- Value
- Presentation
- Packaging
Inspecting every aspect of a metal print–including the back and the frame–is an important part of my review process.
All of these combined give the print what I like to call its “curb appeal.” Now, this might sound trivial, but trust me, especially if you’re a professional photographer, drop shipping a print to a client, that curb appeal becomes an instant representation of your skills. The print is essentially an extension of you and your work. You don’t want your first impression with a client to be anything less than stellar.
I’ve been testing Shiny Prints for years now, and, as many of you know, I don’t pull any punches when I review products. In my scoring system, each of the six categories I mentioned above is worth five points, for a total possible score of 30.
Let me tell you, it’s rare for any print to score above 27. But Shiny Prints? They’ve not only hit that mark but have received a perfect score of 30 from me… twice. That’s no small feat. So, let’s explore what makes Shiny Prints one of the best in the business when it comes to metal prints!
Table of Contents
- Why Metal Prints?
- The 6 Categories of a Great Metal Print
- Why Curb Appeal Matters for Professionals
- My Review Experience With Shiny Prints
- What Sets Shiny Prints Metal Prints Apart
- Why Choose Shiny Prints Metal Prints?
Why Metal Prints?
Image Credit: Shiny Prints
Metal prints have taken off over the years for good reason. They offer a modern, sleek look that fits in both professional spaces and homes. They’re also incredibly durable, with the ability to resist scratches and fading much better than traditional paper prints. For anyone looking to invest in high-quality prints that last, metal is the way to go.
Now, not all metal prints are created equal. The quality can vary wildly, depending on the company you go with. That’s why it’s crucial to know what to look for before hitting that “order” button.
The 6 Categories of a Great Metal Print
Let’s dive into the six categories I use to score every print I review. These pillars can make or break a print’s overall quality.
Color
Color is the lifeblood of any print. You want your colors to pop, but they also need to be accurate. There’s no point in having a vibrant print if the colors are off, especially if you’re a professional whose clients rely on accuracy.
Shiny Prints excels in this area. Their colors are as vivid as they come and stay true to the original image. Whether it’s a bright sunset or a moody black-and-white shot, Shiny Prints metal prints consistently deliver accurate, eye-catching colors in all the prints I’ve reviewed.
Frame
A solid frame isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about durability and presentation. A good frame supports the print and ensures it can be displayed properly for years. Shiny Prints offers a range of framing options, from sleek, modern frames to more traditional ones. I’ve tested both, and what stands out to me is the craftsmanship. The frames feel robust and look fantastic, elevating the overall presentation of the print without overshadowing the artwork itself.
Image Detail
Detail is where metal prints shine (pun intended!). Because of the nature of metal, prints tend to come out sharper and more detailed than on other materials. This is another area where Shiny Prints metal prints knock it out of the park. The level of clarity and detail they achieve is incredible. Every little nuance in the photo comes through, from the smallest textures to the most intricate shadows.
Value
When it comes to value, it’s not just about price. It’s about what you get for your money. Shiny Prints offers an incredible balance of quality and price. I’ve seen plenty of high-end printing companies charge an arm and a leg for prints that don’t even come close to what Shiny Prints metal prints offer. I’m not saying these prints are cheap; they aren’t. However with them, you’re getting top-notch materials and craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
Presentation
First impressions matter. Whether it’s your client seeing the print for the first time or you unveiling it at a gallery, presentation is key. I’ve had prints from Shiny Prints where the presentation was so impressive that the print looked like it was ready to hang right out of the box. The clean, polished look of their prints gives them that extra wow factor. Trust me, this is the kind of quality that makes jaws drop.
Packaging
I’ve saved one of the best for last. Packaging might seem like a small detail, but when you’re shipping something as delicate as a metal print, it’s absolutely crucial. Over the years, I’ve heard horror stories from photographers about damaged prints arriving at their client’s door, and nothing kills curb appeal faster than a dented or scratched print.
This is where Shiny Prints has truly raised the bar like no other. They ship their medium to large prints in wood crates. Yes, wood crates! Talk about the Fort Knox of packaging. The first time I received a print from them in one of these crates, I was blown away. Now, to be fair, all of the prints I’ve received from Shiny Prints have been medium to large sizes, and I can’t say for certain if they ship smaller prints the same way. But I can tell you this—most companies sending the same exact print sizes are using cardboard. It’s not just about protecting the print – it’s about making sure that it arrives in absolute pristine condition, no matter where it’s going.
Keep Reading: Beginner Tips for Printing Photos
Why Curb Appeal Matters for Professionals
Image Credit: Shiny Prints
As a professional photographer, your work is an extension of you. When a client receives a print from you, it’s not just the image they’re judging – it’s the entire experience. Was the color vibrant? Was the frame solid? Did the print arrive safely and in pristine condition?
All of these factors reflect on you and your reputation. That’s why aligning yourself with a printing company like Shiny Prints is critical. They’ve proven, time and again, that they care about every detail, just like you do.
In my experience, you don’t want to gamble on your reputation by cutting corners. Shiny Prints metal prints give you peace of mind–your work will be presented in the best possible way, every single time.
My Review Experience With Shiny Prints
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what to look for in a great metal print, let me share my personal experience with Shiny Prints metal prints…
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve reviewed nearly 200 prints in my time – and not all of them were metal. From canvas to acrylic, I’ve seen a wide range of quality. But when it comes to metal prints, Shiny Prints consistently delivers.
In fact, I’ve reviewed several of their prints over the years. Rather than rehash every detail of those reviews, I’ve embedded a couple of my videos in this article if you want a closer look, including the one above. I’ll say this at least: what’s remarkable is that Shiny Prints has achieved perfect scores of 30 in two separate reviews – a score that has proven very hard to earn over the years.
What Sets Shiny Prints Metal Prints Apart
As I discuss in my video above, the clarity, color, and attention to detail in Shiny Prints’ prints are unmatched. And when it comes to packaging, they’ve set a new standard. Seriously, who else is shipping prints in wood crates? It’s this kind of care and attention to detail that sets them apart from the rest.
But, what else makes Shiny Prints metal prints the ones to beat in the metal print world? It’s their commitment to quality in every aspect – from the print itself to the frame, to the packaging. They don’t cut corners. Everything about their process is designed to ensure that you receive the highest-quality product possible.
And it’s not just me saying this. I’ve spoken to plenty of professional photographers over the years, and the consensus is the same: Shiny Prints is a company you can trust to deliver time and time again.
Why Choose Shiny Prints Metal Prints?
Image Credit: Shiny Prints
At the end of the day, whether you’re a professional photographer or someone looking to decorate your home, quality matters. Shiny Prints offers a combination of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and reliability that’s hard to find elsewhere.
In short, their prints are stunning, their frames are solid, and their packaging is practically bulletproof. If you’re looking for metal prints that will not only impress but also last, Shiny Prints is the way to go. Trust me, after six years of reviewing prints, I’ve seen it all. And Shiny Prints? They’re the real deal!
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