BLACKS Playground For Photography concept gets us holiday ready!

By Sonya Davidson

It's been a while since I've custom ordered anything from BLACKS. In the past I admit to not blinking an eye at the shop only because I felt the products and services were a bit dated...although, I've heard of many friends say they were great in a pinch. But recently they had me look... twice. 

I was invited to the new concept store dubbed the BLACKS Playground For Photography. The company is transitioning many of the current stores with this fresher face. It's clearly different with a crisper, more modern design and feel. When you enter, the shop has gift and decor ideas displayed along the walls. There's also a hang-out centre designed for kids (or friends) to chill while you're busy with tending to your photo needs. Thank goodness for iPads here! A wall filled with uniquely printed items in shape of a Christmas tree was teeming with ideas. Awe-inspiring images had me take out my iPhone immediately and jot down notes for my own list of people to buy for!

Wall-clings caught my attention offering customized decals of images that won't damage any painted surface and ideal for stainless steel fridges that don't take any magnets. The wall-clings are removable and can adhere over and over again. I'm in love with the metal print images that offer a very urban decor option and the printed canvases are still hot commodities for offices and homes. 

There are many holiday ideas that can be printed within the new concept store in mere hours or same day. Other items can be ordered online depending on the personalized items. There are smartphone cases that can be apparently be printed at the new concept stores. Yes, I know! 

BLACKS has also taken the love for Instagram offering multi-image printing. Creating a poster using several images of your favourite holiday or moments of the year makes for a contemporary wall poster. There are several sizes available. And the Instagram inspired  square sized prints have become so popular that BLACKS has decided to include it in it's regular printing options. 

Photobooks remain a family favourite and several options are available including fully opened printed books that will lay flat on a coffee table.  If you don't feel too creative, or have the time, and want to create a photobook that has a bit more of a design feel, BLACKS design team can customize your book for you. If you're REALLY pressed for time, and need that one extra little something or Aunt May, then BLACKS offers handy quick print books that will get you out of any sticky last minute situations. 

I'm impressed with the Shoebox Services as well as I've been absolutely STUMPED on what to do for Christmas gifts for the grandparents.

My "A-ha" moment began when the manager of the store mentioned about changing slides (remember those?) into digital files. With this service, you can add in a printed out photobook from the images. PERFECT! Every Christmas my in-laws like to pull out the slide projector and reminisce of years past.

I know it would be great to have the slides converted for them (Yes, we've managed to sneak the slides out of their house). The Gold Shoebox Service includes the transfer of slides plus a photobook. We can't wait to give this gift to them! Better than another set of flannel sheets! 

The staff also will also offer advice and recommendations on what type of prints would be ideal for your images. I couldn't decide on printing an image for hubby on acrylic or metal so they were able to weigh in on what would be better. 

BLACKS has also coined the phrase "Smartphonography" as part of their new concept stores where customers can get the most of their smart phones. Taking photos on our devices have become the norm and the staff can offer great ways on how to take the best photos and what to do with them.

If you're really pressed for time (says me staring at the mirror) and what? Didn't order your family holiday cards yet? Or need to make some extra prints to send to family overseas?

Well, the new blacks app saves you time and you can place orders directly over your smartphone. Not all printable products are available through the app but you definitely can create a photobook, calendar, cards and even a collage poster.

But hurry! I know we're all rushed but there are some cut off dates to orders as well. Here are the official dates to get your gifts and prints in! 2014 Holiday Gift Orders Cut Off Dates.