Diamond41 wrote:
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.
I am being urged to show some pictures at a photo/... (
show quote)
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