The value (or distraction) of virtual mats and frames (Page 6): I agree with your opinion. Mats and frame can affect how the eye is drawn into an image. As such they effectively become...

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Linda From Maine wrote:

Recently in both For Your Consideration and Landsc... (show quote)

I agree with your opinion. Mats and frame can affect how the eye is drawn into an image. As such they effectively become an element of the image and are fair game for comment and opinion. For an extreme example, if you were to frame an intense monochrome image with a pink, lavender and fuchsia frame it would likely distract the eye from the image significantly and become the main focal point. I would never present an image online with a frame or mat unless it was an integral part of the experience I wanted to convey.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I like mats of all sizes (but mostly white mats) on photographs- even the very large ones on a small image. But for some reason I don't like digital mats of any size or color. It detracts from digital image. Go figure.

I try not to comment negatively on images unless someone specifically asks for feedback and even then I tread very carefully.

I would view the mat as part of the whole image and it is reasonable to me to expect and give feedback on it all.

dnay1

I truly enjoyed this topic and everyone's thoughts. I personally can visualize a person or object placed in a frame however, being an avid outdoor enthusiast I have a hard time framing in a landscape on the photo. That's what makes this fun, so many different opinions is what makes us all unique.

Linda From Maine wrote:

Recently in both For Your Consideration and Landsc... (show quote)

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Frames and mattes are of personal preference so I don't pay attention to them. Photos I display are typically in a white matte with black frame. The photo may lend itself to maybe a double frame accenting some of the colors in the image.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Linda From Maine wrote:

Recently in both For Your Consideration and Landsc... (show quote)

My position is that the photographer decides how to present the photograph and that presentation becomes a part of the photo. Therefore, the entirety of that presentation should be judged as a whole. When I present a photo, I expect it to be viewed as I presented it. If I were to present it with some kind of mat it would be because I consider that mat to be part of the presentation I envisioned. However, personally I only use mats for appropriate prints and only present the photograph without embellishment on line.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

sbohne wrote:

If you are a professional photographer, I am of th... (show quote)

This topic is about virtual mats on UHH postings. The comment you quoted may be strictly online forum related.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Much appreciation for all the thoughtful comments, insights, experiences and viewpoints. You all are the best!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

suntouched wrote:

I like mats of all sizes (but mostly white mats) on photographs- even the very large ones on a small image. But for some reason I don't like digital mats of any size or color. It detracts from digital image. Go figure.

I try not to comment negatively on images unless someone specifically asks for feedback and even then I tread very carefully.

I would view the mat as part of the whole image and it is reasonable to me to expect and give feedback on it all.

I agree with Suntouched around comments, and was concerned that the ones I provided earlier didn't sound as kind as they were intended. This has been an interesting discussion, because it made me think differently about mats...considering them in a completely different context. Specifically, that they were archival elements only and as such, should be as unobtrusive as possible. Frames have historically been a different matter, it seems, with many ordinary paintings being displayed in very ornate and even ostentatious frames. This occurs in many different environments.

Since I am primarily a documentarian, my bias is that the image should be complete and tell the story within itself. But since I'm trying to become at least a little more artistic, it's going to be necessary for me to extend my consideration beyond the margin just of the image. Thanks, Linda, for helping me do that. Hopefully there won't be too much kicking and screaming along the way.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

The only time I can think of that I might post an image with a "digital" mat or frame would be if it emulated a mat or frame I'm thinking of using in real life for display, and I wanted feedback on it for some reason.

I surely have no objection to anyone else using them if they want, and have seen some that I thought looked quite artful. Some sites do not have the option to download or enlarge so I can see where having a mat that uses up limited digital space might "steal" precious real estate from the real image. But each to their own of course...

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

larryepage wrote:

... Thanks, Linda, for helping me do that. Hopefully there won't be too much kicking and screaming along the way.

Love it!

minniev wrote:

... have seen some that I thought looked quite artful... each to their own of course...

Many thanks for your visit, Minnie!

sbohne

Linda From Maine wrote:

This topic is about virtual mats on UHH postings. The comment you quoted may be strictly online forum related.

Excuse me, but that quote was TAKEN FROM A POST ON THIS VERY FORUM ON THIS VERY TOPIC.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Linda From Maine wrote:

Recently in both For Your Consideration and Landsc... (show quote)

I love mats on pictures. They should compliment and enhance the picture. But then, I’m a scrapbooker and I mat most of my pictures (double or triple mat even), especially if I wanted to draw attention to a certain photo or a certain element in the photo.

It’s my opinion that it’s absolutely fair to comment on the choice of frame as well as the picture.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

sbohne wrote:

Excuse me, but that quote was TAKEN FROM A POST ON THIS VERY FORUM ON THIS VERY TOPIC.

You are obviously very passionate about what you wrote earlier (hopefully, you don't suggest someone is stupid every time a comment is made that you disagree with), but there's really no need to shout. We hear you just fine.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

GrandmaG wrote:

I love mats on pictures. They should compliment and enhance the picture. But then, I’m a scrapbooker and I mat most of my pictures (double or triple mat even), especially if I wanted to draw attention to a certain photo or a certain element in the photo.

It’s my opinion that it’s absolutely fair to comment on the choice of frame as well as the picture.

Many thanks!

tinwhistle

Keeping my comment strictly to images submitted to UHH, I wouldn't frame anything I submit, if for no other reason than it detracts from the overall size of the image, and I do not submit high resolution images to begin with. In a word- no frames.