Framing and Matting - see new thread stickied at top of page. This one is now locked. THANK YOU ALL
This topic is locked to prevent further replies.
Apr 2, 2019 08:33:13 #
April 4, 2018: Thank you all for your interest! Here's the topic:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-585995-1.html
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"Nowadays, what with so many photographers confining their output to screen images, there seems to be a dearth of information on printing and various methods of finishing, matting, framing and decorative display. Perhaps we are missing out on many creative opportunities to display and decorate with our photography in different ways." Ed Shapiro
From the quote above and follow-up discussion with Ed (UHH user name E. L.. Shapiro) I've decided to create a sticky topic titled Framing and Matting, Creative Displays and More. "Stickied" means it will stay at the top of PP Forum's "home page." It will be ongoing and open for all to participate, share ideas, instructions, photo examples etc.
One way to keep the topic from becoming unwieldy would be for me to create links in the opening to specific subjects within (I'm planning to do "Framing on a Budget"). This is possible because every single UHH comment has its own url.
So, rather than a stand-alone tutorial or a "share thread," this will be like a sub-section of PP Forum. Any drawbacks, pitfalls, suggestions for organization etc. are welcomed here in this thread, before we launch
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https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-585995-1.html
.
"Nowadays, what with so many photographers confining their output to screen images, there seems to be a dearth of information on printing and various methods of finishing, matting, framing and decorative display. Perhaps we are missing out on many creative opportunities to display and decorate with our photography in different ways." Ed Shapiro
From the quote above and follow-up discussion with Ed (UHH user name E. L.. Shapiro) I've decided to create a sticky topic titled Framing and Matting, Creative Displays and More. "Stickied" means it will stay at the top of PP Forum's "home page." It will be ongoing and open for all to participate, share ideas, instructions, photo examples etc.
One way to keep the topic from becoming unwieldy would be for me to create links in the opening to specific subjects within (I'm planning to do "Framing on a Budget"). This is possible because every single UHH comment has its own url.
So, rather than a stand-alone tutorial or a "share thread," this will be like a sub-section of PP Forum. Any drawbacks, pitfalls, suggestions for organization etc. are welcomed here in this thread, before we launch
.
Apr 2, 2019 09:00:28 #
It is hard for me to predict the drawbacks of anything related to the formatting of UHH, which has always baffled me. But the concept itself seems sound. It is a subset that is of interest to a number of folks and one that isn't dealt with anywhere else on the forum.
If it got too unwieldy then you could always start a dedicated section on UHH for it.
Information on preparing images for print, matting, and framing would have been a huge help to me when I did my first gallery exhibit last year. I knew how to make a print and cut a matt at home on my desktop inkjet, but this project required upsizing for a larger print than I'd ever done, choosing appropriate paper, frames, and matts, working out the maths for sizing all that stuff where it suited the museum space. And preparing for an outsourced print outfit. I learned enough to get by, but it was more complicated than I'd anticipated.
If it got too unwieldy then you could always start a dedicated section on UHH for it.
Information on preparing images for print, matting, and framing would have been a huge help to me when I did my first gallery exhibit last year. I knew how to make a print and cut a matt at home on my desktop inkjet, but this project required upsizing for a larger print than I'd ever done, choosing appropriate paper, frames, and matts, working out the maths for sizing all that stuff where it suited the museum space. And preparing for an outsourced print outfit. I learned enough to get by, but it was more complicated than I'd anticipated.
Apr 2, 2019 09:08:43 #
Great idea Linda. One of the biggest pitfalls I see in the printing bus is that almost all photographers out there try and fit their art into a pre-sized frame such as 16x20. Adding to or deleting from the intended view of the artist.
Instead, they should be looking at their art and deciding what size format gives the best view and frame around those dimensions.
We all know it boils down to dollars and cents (sense) but if I built a Ferrari chassis and drive train and then stuck a Ford Probe body on it, how would that be perceived by the public? So it is with your art. I'm not saying you have to do this with every piece of art you shoot but those special ones... show them off with pride and class. The rest... leave them for FB, Flickr etc.
Instead, they should be looking at their art and deciding what size format gives the best view and frame around those dimensions.
We all know it boils down to dollars and cents (sense) but if I built a Ferrari chassis and drive train and then stuck a Ford Probe body on it, how would that be perceived by the public? So it is with your art. I'm not saying you have to do this with every piece of art you shoot but those special ones... show them off with pride and class. The rest... leave them for FB, Flickr etc.
Apr 2, 2019 09:10:42 #
minniev wrote:
The way the daily digest is constructed and the number of folks who rely on it makes it so difficult for small sections to find their audience. A Printer and Color Printing forum was created in 2015. Probably a great resource that most will never know exists.If it got too unwieldy then you could always start a dedicated section on UHH for it...
Many thanks for your comments, Minnie!
Apr 2, 2019 09:19:27 #
What is the proportion of “images taken” to images printed? I’m sure that so many great pictures get STORED or just mailed around, or just stored on hard drives. The world could be a “better-place” if more great stuff was on display. I have a matting set-up I hardly know how to use....shame on me. Going to “GET WITH IT. And I like the idea, Linda from Maine. BOB
Apr 2, 2019 09:24:22 #
Apr 2, 2019 09:25:06 #
digit-up wrote:
Excellent to know, many thanks!What is the proportion of “images taken” to images printed? I’m sure that so many great pictures get STORED or just mailed around, or just stored on hard drives. The world could be a “better-place” if more great stuff was on display. I have a matting set-up I hardly know how to use....shame on me. Going to “GET WITH IT. And I like the idea, Linda from Maine. BOB
Apr 2, 2019 09:33:42 #
This is exactly what we are needing right now. Just beginning the process of framing our photos for displays. We have previously had them professionally framed, but would like to be able to do them ourselves - with them still looking professional!! So excited to see this happen. Thank you!!!!
Apr 2, 2019 09:35:33 #
lwhitlow wrote:
Terrific to know, thank you!This is exactly what we are needing right now. Just beginning the process of framing our photos for displays. We have previously had them professionally framed, but would like to be able to do them ourselves - with them still looking professional!! So excited to see this happen. Thank you!!!!
Apr 2, 2019 09:50:31 #
granbob
Loc: SW Wisc; E Iowa; W Illinois
Go for it Linda ! It will help a lot of us who want to move beyond WalMart frames to something that reflects our pride in our pictures without breaking the bank.
Apr 2, 2019 10:19:55 #
granbob wrote:
🤗😊Go for it Linda ! It will help a lot of us who want to move beyond WalMart frames to something that reflects our pride in our pictures without breaking the bank.
Apr 2, 2019 14:31:24 #
Hi Linda I have framed my pictures for a few years, I get wood that is already routed out ( I did my own routing when I was married but as I had no where to keep my router when we split up I gave it to my son in law along with my machine to get the edges precise ) I do borrow it back to use.. I did frames that I painted or just stained them.. I got the glass cut to size from the local glass store... I also have the equipment to do the matting...
Apr 2, 2019 17:27:40 #
I have had good luck and good comments on works I've matted and framed for galleries and museums, with the following work flow. Pick the appropriate frame from https://www.pictureframes.com. (Wide selection, and the 2 times I've had a problem, they've fixed it with a replacement.) Use their pre-cut mats if a standard size print, or have them cut the right sized mat, or cut the mat myself (I use a Logan Compact Classic Mat Cutter now; previously, Xacto knife and metal T square.) Buy glass from a local glass supplier. Depending on your budget and intentions, you go go for "archival" material (museum quality, lasting for 100 years supposedly) or lesser quality. So far my choices from each have not brought problems, and I've been doing this since about 1975.
Apr 2, 2019 17:54:37 #
nanaval wrote:
Hi Linda I have framed my pictures for a few years... (show quote)
artBob wrote:
Thanks, folks! This topic is just exploratory and advance discussion; the actual stickied resource thread will go up Thursday. Feel free to post your info then I have had good luck and good comments on works I'... (show quote)
Apr 2, 2019 19:03:24 #
What I would like to encourage is for folks to think about the final disposition of their "hard earned"photography. They invest in the equipment and take the time to ascertain the know how. They plan their shots, assemble the necessary gear, they may fly, treck or drive to the location, enlist the models if required- they PLAN all of this out. They achieve good results and file away most of these images in a computer. They post- process their files are sticklers for color balance and density and only to put them online for other folks to view them on uncalibrated monitors.
They say their photography is art- they want it to be art. So..waht do other artists do- painters, folks who do etchings, batik printing, bas relief sculpture, origami- whatever? They frame their work and display it for others and themselves to enjoy. They decorate their homes and studios with their work. The sell finished art pieces. They gift their work to close friend and family members.
When you have a project in mind, why not begin to pre-visualize the finished piece and plan accordingly as to how to print it, what materials to use and how to matte and/or frame it to create an effective presentation. If you fined an interesting old or unique frame, waht not work backward and play an image for it.
If you are a bit of a presentation "control freak" like I am, you may become horrified if someone takes you beautiful well-crafted print and frames it in a monstrosity that is disharmonious with the motif, tonality, and colors of your work. You frame- you maintain aesthetic control.
As for money issues- the expenses of picture framing- my approach is that your skill and imagination in planning and coordinating the aesthetics, trumps buying costly frames and moldings. There are many fine high-quality and costly wooden moldings and archival mounting boards that are available through custom frame shops and framer's supply distributors. If you can afford them, that is great, however, I have seen some pretty impressive pre-manufactured frames at Ikea, and even a few at the so-called $1 stores. There are many creative framing and mounting methods using old and antique frames and if you don't care to go to large formats, you can make "miniatures". You do not necessarily have to confine yourself to standard sizes and you can create frames for all kinds of things that were not originally intended as frames.
Many custom frame shops offer artist's discounts for artists and photographers who market their work.
You needn't be a woodworking craftsperson. Custom framing can be outsourced- you can order up the frames as per sizes and do your own fitting. There are metal component frames that come in a wide variety of profiles, colors, and finishes. These are sold in pre-cut and mitered lengths that are easily assembled. If you are into the fabrication end of the craft, there is plenty of skills to practice- cutting, mitering, joining, routing, painting staining, applying washes, varnishing and gold and metal leafing.
If you are into framing gear, there are all kinds of specialized matte knives, matte cutters, beveling tools, nailers, and guns that shoot brads and glaziers points for fitting. Framing supply distributors sell all manner of supplies, matte boards, dry mounting tissue, adhesives, specialized glass, eye screws , sawtooth hangers, backing boards, and paper and specialize archival materials.
Stand by for cool stuff!
They say their photography is art- they want it to be art. So..waht do other artists do- painters, folks who do etchings, batik printing, bas relief sculpture, origami- whatever? They frame their work and display it for others and themselves to enjoy. They decorate their homes and studios with their work. The sell finished art pieces. They gift their work to close friend and family members.
When you have a project in mind, why not begin to pre-visualize the finished piece and plan accordingly as to how to print it, what materials to use and how to matte and/or frame it to create an effective presentation. If you fined an interesting old or unique frame, waht not work backward and play an image for it.
If you are a bit of a presentation "control freak" like I am, you may become horrified if someone takes you beautiful well-crafted print and frames it in a monstrosity that is disharmonious with the motif, tonality, and colors of your work. You frame- you maintain aesthetic control.
As for money issues- the expenses of picture framing- my approach is that your skill and imagination in planning and coordinating the aesthetics, trumps buying costly frames and moldings. There are many fine high-quality and costly wooden moldings and archival mounting boards that are available through custom frame shops and framer's supply distributors. If you can afford them, that is great, however, I have seen some pretty impressive pre-manufactured frames at Ikea, and even a few at the so-called $1 stores. There are many creative framing and mounting methods using old and antique frames and if you don't care to go to large formats, you can make "miniatures". You do not necessarily have to confine yourself to standard sizes and you can create frames for all kinds of things that were not originally intended as frames.
Many custom frame shops offer artist's discounts for artists and photographers who market their work.
You needn't be a woodworking craftsperson. Custom framing can be outsourced- you can order up the frames as per sizes and do your own fitting. There are metal component frames that come in a wide variety of profiles, colors, and finishes. These are sold in pre-cut and mitered lengths that are easily assembled. If you are into the fabrication end of the craft, there is plenty of skills to practice- cutting, mitering, joining, routing, painting staining, applying washes, varnishing and gold and metal leafing.
If you are into framing gear, there are all kinds of specialized matte knives, matte cutters, beveling tools, nailers, and guns that shoot brads and glaziers points for fitting. Framing supply distributors sell all manner of supplies, matte boards, dry mounting tissue, adhesives, specialized glass, eye screws , sawtooth hangers, backing boards, and paper and specialize archival materials.
Stand by for cool stuff!
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