How To Present Photos at a Show
Jun 12, 2014 17:13:45 #
Im entering several 16x20 prints in a company exhibit / competition. (Between 6 & 9) Im looking for a cost effective way to display my work while appearing as professional as possible. Suggestions?????
Jun 12, 2014 17:15:16 #
Have they given you any guidelines? Like frame, mat, mounted?
Jun 12, 2014 18:30:55 #
Good point... They recommend 'framed' but I saw the last entries in the Photography group and saw every thing from triple mat shadow box frames to some simply mounted on 3/16" foam board. The only requirement is some sort of hanger attached to the back. I'm thinking of 16x20 flat black metal frames (Bainbridge or equiv.) & mounting on 3x16" foam board. (which I have a ready stock of)
Jun 12, 2014 20:14:42 #
ajohnston3 wrote:
Good point... They recommend 'framed' but I saw the last entries in the Photography group and saw every thing from triple mat shadow box frames to some simply mounted on 3/16" foam board. The only requirement is some sort of hanger attached to the back. I'm thinking of 16x20 flat black metal frames (Bainbridge or equiv.) & mounting on 3x16" foam board. (which I have a ready stock of)
If you use a frame with glass, I highly recommend that you also use at least a single 4 ply mat as well. You need the mat to keep the image from making contact with the glass.
Metal frames are fine, however consider wood as a cost cutter. If you make use of coupons from places like Aaron Bros., Michael's, etc. you may be able to get them at 50%; or close. Most of these retailers stock a simple contemporary frame that would give a similar look as the metal component frames.
Jun 12, 2014 21:53:05 #
Consider plexiglass instead of glass - the weight savings is substantial, which means you won't need as robust a hanger on the back of the frame or as secure a mounting to the wall (heavier frames are more likely to fall off the wall).
Definitely mat them - they look much more professional that way, IMO.
Definitely mat them - they look much more professional that way, IMO.
Jun 13, 2014 02:26:49 #
ajohnston3 wrote:
Im entering several 16x20 prints in a company exhibit / competition. (Between 6 & 9) Im looking for a cost effective way to display my work while appearing as professional as possible. Suggestions?????
AJ, Photo Jim is an expert on framing!
Always use a simple black frame amd a light matt as well. The key is to make the photo pop and show of the work, not the frame.
I have exhibited where they request plexy, but I dislike it. If it's spec'd, it's usually because they don't want any liability or hassle associated with broken glass.
Some places spec a 16x20 max size of the frame, so the pic is smaller.
Lastly, the bigger the pic, the more expensive the overhead. The cheapest will wind up being what you can do yourself or as much of it as possible. Good luck. ;-)
SS
Jun 13, 2014 08:46:26 #
IN the past I have made frames from corner molding and chair molding I bought from Lowes, Home Depot, etc. You do need, at the least, a decent table saw for this though. If you decide to go this route, I would suggest simple pine for wood (cost effective), check your joints for cracks and putty if needed, then spray paint the finished frame a solid color (like black).
Jun 13, 2014 09:06:42 #
ajohnston3 wrote:
Im entering several 16x20 prints in a company exhibit / competition. (Between 6 & 9) Im looking for a cost effective way to display my work while appearing as professional as possible. Suggestions?????
Check WalMart. They have matte/frame combinations from 4X6 up to poster size. It's a simple black frame with a white matte. Great for displays!
Jun 13, 2014 09:18:27 #
The cheap frames from Michaels, etc, don't have a deep enough rabbet to hold glass, picture, 3/16 backing, and mat or double mat. I recommend the simple black metal mats such as Nielson. For a single matted image, I recommend white. For double mats, I like to choose colors that draw out colors in the image. For a 16 x 20 image, I would use at least a 20x24 frame, maybe even a 22x28.
Jun 13, 2014 09:23:47 #
NYjoe
Loc: US/UK
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I try to keep it cheap, uniform and simple. I go to hobby lobby when they have coupon sales. I buy their premade black frames at 50% off...approximately 2 inches wide and in standard sizes with glass. I usually buy size 22x28 for around $25. They come with glass, but i replace that with Conservation UV glass purchased with the weekly 40% off coupon for $15. I cut my own mattes uniformly using white or off white Crescent ragmat around $15 a 42-40 sheet. I finish the framing with a sealed craft paper back. They look uniform and professional. If your work is to be exhibited for a short time you might consider eliminating the glass all together to preserve clarity....but if showing for more than a week or so and for sale you will want glass.
J.
johnston3 wrote:
I try to keep it cheap, uniform and simple. I go to hobby lobby when they have coupon sales. I buy their premade black frames at 50% off...approximately 2 inches wide and in standard sizes with glass. I usually buy size 22x28 for around $25. They come with glass, but i replace that with Conservation UV glass purchased with the weekly 40% off coupon for $15. I cut my own mattes uniformly using white or off white Crescent ragmat around $15 a 42-40 sheet. I finish the framing with a sealed craft paper back. They look uniform and professional. If your work is to be exhibited for a short time you might consider eliminating the glass all together to preserve clarity....but if showing for more than a week or so and for sale you will want glass.
J.
johnston3 wrote:
Im entering several 16x20 prints in a company exhibit / competition. (Between 6 & 9) Im looking for a cost effective way to display my work while appearing as professional as possible. Suggestions?????
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