You've had the session. The images are stunning. Now comes the decision most owners spend more time on than they expected: how do you put it on the wall?
At Dog Gone Art Photography, we produce two types of museum-quality wall art — canvas and metal. Both are built to last decades. Both look incredible. But they're not the same, and the right choice depends on your home, your aesthetic, and what you want the piece to feel like.
Here's the honest breakdown.
What Is a Canvas Print?
A canvas print transfers your dog's portrait onto artist-grade cotton canvas, stretched over a solid wooden frame. The texture of the canvas adds subtle depth to the image — it has a warmth and softness that feels classic and timeless.
Best for:
- Traditional, farmhouse, or Scandinavian home interiors
- Warmer colour palettes (cream, beige, wood tones)
- Portraits with softer, more painterly editing
- Large statement pieces above sofas or beds
- Homes where you want art to feel like art — not a photograph
Canvas characteristics:
- Matte finish — no glare under any lighting
- Warm, slightly textured surface
- Timeless look that suits virtually any room
- Available in sizes from 8×10 to 30×40 and beyond
What Is a Metal Print?
A metal print infuses your image directly into a coated aluminum panel. The result is sharp, vivid, and almost luminous — colours appear richer, contrast is higher, and fine detail like fur texture pops in a way that canvas simply cannot replicate.
Best for:
- Modern, contemporary, or industrial home interiors
- Darker or more dramatic colour palettes
- Portraits with strong contrast or vivid colour
- Hallways, offices, and rooms with direct lighting
- Owners who want the portrait to feel bold and striking
Metal characteristics:
- Semi-gloss finish with exceptional colour accuracy
- Crisp edges and extraordinary fine detail
- Resistant to moisture and humidity (ideal for Alberta climate)
- Floats off the wall on a hidden mount for a gallery effect
Side-by-Side Comparison
| | Canvas | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte, textured | Semi-gloss, smooth |
| Colour | Warm, slightly subdued | Vivid, high contrast |
| Detail | Soft and painterly | Sharp and precise |
| Best room | Living room, bedroom | Hallway, office, modern spaces |
| Longevity | 75+ years with care | 100+ years, fade-resistant |
| Glare | None | Some in direct sunlight |
| Style | Classic, timeless | Modern, bold |
How to Decide: Three Questions to Ask Yourself
1. What's the dominant style of the room where it's hanging?
If the room has warm wood tones, linen textures, and soft lighting — canvas. If it's white walls, clean lines, and statement lighting — metal.
2. What's the mood of the portrait?
Soft and intimate portraits tend to look better on canvas. High-contrast, energetic, or vivid images are transformed by metal.
3. Where exactly is it going?
Bedrooms and living rooms almost always favour canvas for its warmth and quiet presence. Hallways, staircases, and offices suit the boldness of metal.
What Most Calgary Clients Choose
In our experience, most clients with traditional or transitional home decor choose canvas — particularly for large living room pieces. Clients in newer builds with open-concept, modern interiors often go metal, especially for smaller accent walls and hallway galleries.
Both are spectacular. Neither is wrong. The only wrong choice is a low-resolution print from a big-box retailer that fades in three years.
Can I See Them Before I Decide?
Yes. During your ordering appointment, we show you physical samples of both print types at different sizes so you can see exactly how your portrait will look before committing.
We don't expect you to make this decision blind — that's part of what a full-service portrait studio does differently.
Explore our wall art collections →
Dog Gone Art Photography creates luxury dog portraits and museum-quality wall art for Calgary families. Every session is private, unhurried, and built around your dog's personality. Learn more →