Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Recently in both For Your Consideration and Landscape Forum, two photographers posted photos with fairly large mats/frames around their images. Much of the feedback involved the like/dislike of those mats.

Obviously, it's up to the photographer how to present his/her image to an online forum. My questions:

- If you are the photographer, is it reasonable to assume that respondents will make observations about the size/color/style of your choices, or should they comment only on the photo?

- If you are the viewer, do you assume that the photographer expects you to comment on the mat/frame as part of your feedback?

My opinion is that the mat and/or frame is part of the whole and appropriate to be included in feedback. Some sites offer frames for you to add as a final step in posting (fredmiranda.com is one). I went through a period where everything I posted to UHH had double-mats, similar to how you might select at a print shop. A lot of other people here were doing same at the time. It was fun attempting to choose a combination of size and colors that would (hopefully) enhance the image.

Your thoughts, experience, advice? Feel free to post photo examples!

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I have never liked huge mats or huge frames, but many art museums use them.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Do you feel the same about photos online as you do with prints?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Many contests look at the presentation as a part of the photo so yes comment on the presentation as a whole is appropriate. If you present it it is fair game.

alx Loc: NJ

If the photographer uploads a mat, it becomes part of the image they are offering and should be subject to commentary. If the mat distracts from the picture, it is a fair target for criticism, especially if comments were asked for/invited.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

Pretty much, yes.

I use the 75/25 rule. The picture itself should be 75% of the presentation. Matt & frame may take up the other 25%
It's the same rule that we use in showing plants in exhibitions and shows. The plant should take up 75% of the presentation. The container and top dressing may take up the other 25%. If the ratio is too off, a small plant in a huge pot, points get deducted for being underpotted. If the plant is very large and in a small pot, points get deducted for being overpotted.

cdayton

Interesting issue. I have several large prints (10" X 16") with wide, off-white mats (about 4") that I think are quite effective altho the images are mostly "postcard" views. I have recently printed several images on canvas without frames and think they are quite dramatic - however, the images are more "artistic." I have seen museum prints with absurdly wide (imo) mats that I find highly distracting. If someone chooses to post an image with a mat/frame I think it is fair to comment (+ or -) on their choice. Also, I am not a fan of signatures/studio names on images.

cdayton

Interesting issue. I have several large prints (10" X 16") with wide, off-white mats (about 4") that I think are quite effective altho the images are mostly "postcard" views. I have recently printed several images on canvas without frames and think they are quite dramatic - however, the images are more "artistic." I have seen museum prints with absurdly wide (imo) mats that I find highly distracting. If someone chooses to post an image with a mat/frame I think it is fair to comment (+ or -) on their choice. Also, I am not a fan of signatures/studio names on images.

cdayton

Oops, I just learned not to double-click on the Send button.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

In regards to the matting or framework of a print, online or on a wall, I am a minimalist. Smaller or thinner lines around the piece are more pleasing to my eye. Or even no border is sometimes best. The less there is to distract from the artwork the better I like it. I just feel that the frame or borders should not take your attention away from the art.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Excellent point, thanks.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks for your comment.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I definitely did not expect a comparison with plant shows Very cool, thanks much!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Are you referring to online? Watermarks/logos/names?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I did the frame thing for a small period of time. Some of my early contributions to UHH were "framed". However, it was pointed out that the area of the frame diminishes the size of the photo. The preference being, I'd rather see a larger version of the photograph than have a portion of that area taken up with "chrome plating".

In real life, my photographs are framed with 2"-3" of matte surrounding the photograph. The print sizes are either 12x18 or 16x20. In person, the matte does not subtract from the size of the print, as it does when presented on line. So, on line, I'd prefer to see more image.
--Bob