Diamond41 Loc: St. Louis, MO

I am being urged to show some pictures at a photo/art show in January. The only rule I have been made aware of so far is "framed and ready to hang". With so many excellent photographers pm UHH, I want to know how you present for something like this? Is there a format that is considered standard for showing pictures? For this show I will follow the rules but is this normal for other shows? Just wondering what others did in showing work. Yes, they are having a contest but the winnings are not much so not really interested in that aspect, just in how to correctly show the work.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

It depends of too many factors to give an answer that will make sense in the case you are presented with.

Framed/unframed is a very small part of it.

Lighting, natural or artificial? Direct or indirect?

Viewing distance?

If your town has a museum, better invite the manager/director to look at your area and follow his/her advice, it will be way more accurate than a bunch of internet folks... Just saying.

Pixie Jackie Loc: New Hampshire seacoast

Hi Diamond 41! Has no one answered your question? Just a quick FYI -- When the rule says "framed and ready to hang" they usually want the back of the frame to be wired. With a wired back, it's easier for them to adjust the picture for hanging. If it's an image you truly like and don't mind spending a lot of money for something you can hang in your house afterwards (or sell it), then go to a professional framer. He'll give you some help on choosing the right color for the mat--and you DO want a mat. Often, you try to pick up one of the colors in the picture. But when in doubt, go to a neutral beige or white color mat. You don't usually want a bright color mat that will "fight" with your image.
Professional framing is the most expensive way to go but sometimes it's worth it. But there are also many ready-made standard frames that you can buy if your print is a standard (photo ratio) size. A good place is a craft store like Michael's. They usually have a big selection. Another option is to go online and order metal lengths for the size you need, and then assemble them yourself with a screwdriver. If you need a 12x16 frame, for example, you'd have to order a pair of 12" lengths and a pair of 16" lengths. But then you'd have to get the correct size glass to fit the frame. And there are so many types of glass--non-glare glass, conservartion glass, museum glass, glass that cuts out ultra-violet light, etc. etc. Basic non-glare is probably what you want. Good luck!

Pixie Jackie Loc: New Hampshire seacoast

Hi Diamond 41! Has no one answered your question? Just a quick FYI -- When the rule says "framed and ready to hang" they usually want the back of the frame to be wired. With a wired back, it's easier for them to adjust the picture for hanging. If it's an image you truly like and don't mind spending a lot of money for something you can hang in your house afterwards (or sell it), then go to a professional framer. He'll give you some help on choosing the right color for the mat--and you DO want a mat. Often, you try to pick up one of the colors in the picture. But when in doubt, go to a neutral beige or white color mat. You don't usually want a bright color mat that will "fight" with your image.
Professional framing is the most expensive way to go but sometimes it's worth it. But there are also many ready-made standard frames that you can buy if your print is a standard (photo ratio) size. A good place is a craft store like Michael's. They usually have a big selection. Another option is to go online and order metal lengths for the size you need, and then assemble them yourself with a screwdriver. If you need a 12x16 frame, for example, you'd have to order a pair of 12" lengths and a pair of 16" lengths. But then you'd have to get the correct size glass to fit the frame. And there are so many types of glass--non-glare glass, conservartion glass, museum glass, glass that cuts out ultra-violet light, etc. etc. Basic non-glare is probably what you want. Good luck!

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

If you are given rules to enter then that is what you have to do.
Personally I present my work mounted with a backing board.
If framed with glass, lighting can distract with reflections across your work.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I knew a woman who took good B&W and liked to frame them and put them in shows. She always got thin black metal frames. She had a name for them - museum, display - something like that. You can also get nice non-reflective glass. If you've eaten in a fancy restaurant, you know that presentation is 90% of the job.

Some framing info -

https://framing4yourself.com/shop/
http://www.dickblick.com/brands/nielsenbainbridge/
www.matboardplus.com
https://www.arttoframe.com/

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

"framed and ready to hang" the theme of the famous judge Roy Bean!

Indeed that is a rather vague description. Take a walk thru and see what is being used, and ask some one in the know at that location. OR is it a location or an art in the park event?
Help the UHH people help you give more details of what the exhibit is.

The CClub required mats, for my home use I use smaller 8x10 Gallery Wrapped prints .. no frame but ready to hang.

jcsnell Loc: SW Ohio

This brings up a question. At our local county fair the rules stated that there must be a 2 3/4" mat on all pictures. When the secretary was questioned they stated that it was "industry standard". Has anyone heard of this "standard". I personally have seen everything from no mat to a 12x14 mat on a 4x6 picture.

Kingman

A standard 2 3/4" matt seems absurd without a minimum or maximum print size. Also "professionals" often wants slightly wider mat for the bottom of the print.

Diamond41 Loc: St. Louis, MO

Wow, so many ideas and thoughts. Thanks everyone. I will have to spend some time talking to the sponsor and going through the gallery to see what they do. It will be indoors since it is in January. It is a small place and they various shows through out the year. The photography show just happens to be in January.

Again, thanks everyone for the ideas.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...spend some time talking to the sponsor..." Pursuing your query with the authoritative source is a wise and tenured decision...
That said, typically most of the critical information is available in the initial "Call for Entry" at least that has been my experience...

Best Advice? Attend the event in January to better understand the venue and how the show is juried...
After reviewing this year's event, you'll likely have a better understanding if you want to invest the time/effort/expense of entering future shows...
However in my humble estimation publication (tear sheets) are far more important than "Ribbon Honors" from juried shows for reaching the next level of attainment... Again from experience...

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought
I wish you well on your journey Diamond41

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

When a show calls for "framed and ready to hang" they generally mean the frame is to be "wired" for hanging. Some shows can be very specific, designating how far down from the top of the frame that the wire be attached and the distance from the top to the wire's apex when hung. Others just say wired and leave it at that. Even if they don't say so, most shows frown on the use of "alligator" or hook hangers on the back as they are "less safe", and also make hanging and adjusting the piece more difficult for show staff.

General practice for photo exhibits is white or off-white matting. Sometimes black or neutral grey mats are considered acceptable (typically in the B&W category). Some shows will specify no color mats, but even if they don't most judges will advise against them.

I've never heard of a 2 ¾ "industry standard" for mat width. Usually mats are cut to to sizes considered "aesthetically" best for an image's size, but that usually implies a range of widths that will look right for a given image. Many framing websites will post suggested sizes for various image sizes (see link) but they are not considered "rules" as much as they are "guidelines". As a rule of thumb, these suggestions are the minimum size to create a "balanced" presentation. Going narrower will usually get you a negative result.

http://matdesigners.frameusa.com/pages/opening

LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO

In the Photo Gallery, check out the posting of the update from Pike County Fair. With all the blue ribbons Photogirl17 came away with, I suspect she’d be happy to help you out. You can see how she matted her photos. You can ask her how she would frame them.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Showing your pictures can be a lot of fun. It can also be nerve-wracking... Try to stay relaxed and enjoy yourself. Talking to the people who are putting on the show and seeing some examples will certainly help.

Here are some suggestions:

Decide how much you want to spend on getting your pictures "ready to hang". As Pixie pointed out, there are a variety of ways to approach this. You can make a great presentation spending very little money or a lot.

The first decision is whether you want a wide frame or a narrow frame, made of metal or wood [I'm not a fan of plastic]. Then there is the color of the frame. Whatever you choose it should complement the photograph or be very plain - as long as it does not compete with the picture for attention. Usually a photograph will be displayed with a mat, which not only forms a second "frame", but also prevents the photo from being up against the glass. Plus it can complement the photo with a color that is in the picture or it can be neutral white or beige - even black if it works with the picture. Once again, you do not want it to be so dominant that it competes with the photograph. [I have used red, green, blue in rich colors when it was appropriate, so it can be done with success. Just make sure it would be acceptable to the event and the viewers! And make sure it works.]

Second is to choose how you will do the framing. One source for getting the job done can be from a professional framer, which is the most expensive way to go. You can choose as simple or as decorative a frame as you wish, the mat can be custom cut, and the glass can be any type you prefer. Non-glare or Museum glass are the best [and most expensive] because they do not reflect light and obscure the image. The photo will be between the mat and a backer board, the back of the frame will be covered with brown paper, and hanging wire will be attached. The results will be very, very good. However, you can also purchase frames in a variety of places: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, K-mart. These generally come with regular clear glass, and some will also have a basic mat included, in a standard size. This requires that your photograph be printed in a standard size [such as 8x10, 11x14, 16x20]. I am assuming you are not set up to mat your own photos, but if you are you can choose whatever color and opening for the photo that you want. Of course you can buy a frame off the shelf or from an estate/yard sale, have a mat cut for you at the local framers, and get the glass in the frame replaced. Pre-cut mats can also be purchased online at a reasonable price. There is more than one way to do this that you could choose.

I'm not a pro, but I have displayed my photographs locally. I buy frames at Estate/Garage/Lawn sales, checking the glass carefully to make sure it is not scratched. Some require a bit of "fixing up" because they have scratches in the wood, which I take care of with some stain. If I buy metal frames I make sure they are the kind that are held together in the corners with screws and an angle bracket. I have a decent mat cutter and cut my own from mat board I purchase at our local art shop/framers. Also purchase backer board and cut that to the frame size. Then I buy small screw eyes and picture wire and put them on the back, at the appropriate ~1/3 of the length of the sides. Every now and then I think perhaps I should add brown paper, but have not done that yet. Some of my supplies are purchased online where, for instance, I can buy picture wire in rolls, which costs a lot less per foot than the small packages the local stores carry.

The main thing is to love what you do, and have fun with it. Once you have a better idea of the show's requirements, it will be much easier to proceed.

Susan

Tinkwmobile

I have been a professional framer in the past. I still mat and frame pictures.

Many photo contests locally want only black or white mats with the picture. The principal reason is the prime sponsor only stocks black and white mat stock. Mat stock is mostly 32 x 40", some larger sizes are available. It is very expensive for the sponsor to stock a lot of different mat colors. You can cut your own mats, requires a mat machine (various prices available) and a lot of practice. Always use acid free board when framing if you plan to leave picture framed for any length of time.

A lot of what you choose for picture presentation is personal preference, but make sure your personal preference is popular with judges and/or purchasers. Too extreme usually does not sell. Folks like to picture the finished art in their home, needs to fit in. I typically double mat everything. Mat holds the picture off the glass, mounts the picture so it stays fixed in the frame and protects the picture. I have found an outside mat of light grey or grey/blue complements most everything then a darker inner liner to complement the picture or make the picture pop (stand out). Purchasing mats is expensive because it takes time to cut mats and their is a lot of waste.

Mat sizes are somewhat of a personal taste, but somewhere between 2 and 2 1/2" fits most everything. Mat border on the bottom of the picture is always larger (if 2 & 1/2 mat then 2 3/4) because of optics. If the bottom is the same size the mat looks unbalanced.

You can make your own frame out of wood, it's great fun and takes a lot of time. You must have something like a chop saw to cut the molding accurately. I like the variety and ease of metal frames. I have used "American Frames" many times. They can cut a mat for you and I recommend you try that. Their prices on metal frames are reasonable.

Good luck on your adventure.