Unfortunately I am one that has to take all paths and forks in the road to feel fully satisfied with my decision. So not to stray from this slight character flaw, I decided to take several avenues to explore my options and do sort of my own mini-review. The goal was to create an amazing mosaic as a Christmas present for my wife. I started my mosaic journey in early November and so I had lots of time to get it right. First I download two free mosaic software programs and paid for third. I also tried two mosaic services, one being Picture Mosaics, and the other being another service reviewed on this site (starts with the letter D).

I could definitely write a few pages on my trials and tribulations trying to use the different software, however I will spare you. To sum up, I was able to get an okay looking mosaic, I did have to cheat and superimpose the main image quite a bit. Besides the difficulty trying to learn the intricacies of software, I found trying to print this at an 18"x24" size at a resolution (dpi) that was good enough to see all of the small photos was a difficult task. I went to three different print shops; one of them could not even open the large mosaic file, the other two could only print at maximum of 600 dpi. So with my personal efforts in trying to create a mosaic on my own dashed, I would hope that one of the two mosaic services would come through.

After submitting my photos to both mosaic companies (Picture Mosaics and the other company that begins with the letter D), I received digital proofs within about 5 days. Within a few seconds of comparing the mosaics and the ones I created on my own, it was clear that Picture Mosaics was on another level of mosaic artistry and technology. It was obvious that they spent the time to truly design and work with my photos. I even spoke with the designer mostly responsible for working on my mosaic on the phone to discuss exactly what I was looking for (thanks Tim!). I received the mosaic print from Picture Mosaics within about 3 days after approving and it blew me away even more. The clarity in the small photos along with magic of how the photos arrange themselves to form my larger photos - it almost brought tears to my eyes. I can not wait to give the mosaic to my wife on Christmas. I am a now truly a believer every review on this page, Picture Mosaics is definitely in league of there own - a big thank you to Tim and their entire team! Merry Christmas! Feel free to email me at paul.white82[at]yahoo[dot]com if you have any questions about my review ;-)