 Irene Troy |
Framing images Hi all – For a number of years, I’ve worked for various nature, environmental and travel groups and agencies. For much of this time, I’ve seen myself as a writer who also does photography and, indeed, this is how I’ve sold myself (fairly successfully). Last year, I was asked to submit work for a regional "art of nature" exhibit. Much to my surprise, several of my submissions won the attention of the judges and, even more surprisingly, the critics. Earlier this year, I had my first real (as in Boston, not here in the sticks) gallery show and have had two additional shows since. I am now trying to sell my work separate from my writing and meeting with some success. This is all wonderful, of course, but I’m realizing I have a real knowledge gap when it comes to framing my work. Until recently, I bought my frames at a craft and art store near my home. However, while inexpensive, these frames are clearly not quality made and are causing me more problems than help. I’ve done some online research, but need the input from you more experienced folks. What type frames do you use? How much do you consider reasonable to pay for frames? Finally, where do you purchase the frames? Any ideas, suggestions and input you can offer will be very welcome! Thanks, folks.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Irene, How are you? I have been round the block with the whole framing thing as well and I try to use local shops but I also use MPIX. The local shops are easier and you can see the frames and mattes and sometimes the shops will cut me a deal if I order a few at one time. The cheap frames usually look cheap and the quality is noticeable. My last MPIX frame showed up with broken glass (FedEx) and the glass also scratched the 12 x 18 image. This is a first and is not the norm for MPIX/FedEx but this one must have dropped pretty hard as it was well-packed. Another thing is picking out the frame style color and matte that is the most flattering to the image. For most of my landscape/nature images, I tend to like darker wood with gray mattes as these tend to make the image stand out nicely. You have to pay for quality frames but the cost gets easily transferred when you sell it as the frame quality makes the image even more attractive. Hope this helps, Carlton
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Irene, I did an article about framing some time ago. Perhaps it will help: www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/framing.pdf. A well-presented photograph will represent you and your work more effectively. Thanks...
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Irene Troy |
John – thank you for the link to your very comprehensive article on framing! Many of my concerns are addressed within this piece. Carlton, thank you for the info on MPIX. Actually, I was about to post a follow-up to my original post asking if anyone had used MPIX for framing and, if so, what they thought. For my current gallery show, I did all the framing myself and…oh man…what a mess! A local photographer with more gallery experience (or so he claims) steered me to these readymade frames sold in a local art supply shop. He assured me they were inexpensive but of good quality and would work well for my work. WRONG! Sure, they were inexpensive, but in truth, they are cheap in every way. Several actually fell apart as I showed the work to friends prior to taking them to the gallery – at least they didn’t fall apart in the gallery, so I guess this was something of a good thing – and all of them have been a bear to get correct. At least I can say I learned something… I’ve been invited to show my work in an important (meaning they sell a lot of work and are well respected) gallery in December and really want to get this right in time for that show. As I posted earlier, this is all new for me and well outside what I’ve been doing for the last few years, so it’s exciting, but also somewhat nerve making. Thanks again, both of you, for your help. Irene
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Thank you John, I also enjoyed reading your article. You are such a wealth of information :) Congratulations Irene,
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Joye Ardyn Durham |
I am a custom framer and have been for about 35 years. I am also a photographer for over 40 years. I own a custom frame shop and frame a lot of photography. If you go to your local frame shop ask them if they carry Larson-Juhl frames. If they do there is a collection of composite wood that they sell for a great price. The line is called Bonanza Wood. There are some great frames in this collection at reasonable prices. Good luck, jad
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Philip E. Venable |
I use goldenstateart.com. Their prices are reasonable. The frames are simple but sturdy, and their mattes are acid free and very reasonably priced. I have sold photos in galleries with frames and mattes from Golden State Art. Given them a try. I do not work for them, I'm just a customer.
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