Opinions on Matting - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

03/22/2004 09:59:04 PM · #1

Ok, I know this is a good place to come for opinions on this...

I am working on framing some prints; I think I want to stay basic for my landscapes with black frames and white borders. (Other advice and disagreement welcome.) But on a darker, sunset type image like my Shenedoah Sunset 2, I thought it would be best to have a white border around the image, and then a black one, then the large white one. In other words, triple matter.

What do you think of this arrangement? I was not sure how wide to make the show throughs--this one is 1/4" white, then 1/8" black, then 2" white. Are these good 'masks'? Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

RHoldenSr

Canon EOS-5D

03/22/2004 10:15:56 PM · #2

I think the photograph is great and would have a stronger impact with a smaller matte. Maybe not his narrow but similar.

But you are asking a question that is strictly personal taste. Borders, and matting are a tough subject on DPC.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/22/2004 11:17:22 PM · #3

check out Westminster Duotone, it might solve the problem and give you a different choice. I got the sampler to checdk it out, and really want to just mat all my nature pices with it because of the contrast on the edge. (and decreasing amount of matting used)

Message edited by author 2004-03-22 23:19:23.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/22/2004 11:22:06 PM · #4

Originally posted by Calvus:

Thanks, Calvus, I see your point. I was playing with the borders, and they require at least 1" above and below the photo. I have tried something in between my previous 2" and your smaller borders. How's this one look? Anyone else. I am hoping for feedback quickly because I am going to order this tonight.

One other question: The photo is printed on 11x14 stock, but is smaller than that (with a white border). Do you think it's "safe" to just give a 1/16" margin of error citing the actual photos dimensions as 1/16 smaller than I have measured. I am a bit afraid of a little patch of white border showing in the inside! What's been people's experience?

Here's the modified (smaller border) version, based on your suggestion, which I like better:

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

03/22/2004 11:35:09 PM · #5

the thing with matting, you have to get what YOU like. If you sell it or something, people can mess with redoing it if they don't like it, later.
I was checking out a few photo galleries a week or so ago. the preferences they were going on were
had the 1/3(think that is right) larger at the bottom than top/sides, with equal width on 3 sides.
using double matting with the bottom being a bright white from between 1/4 and 1/2 inch reveal with the outer matte being about 2 inches plus on each side (for example 8x10-so I thnk they had custom frames done).
Your problem is why I started doing my own matting and also building frames (always enjoyed woodworking though)

Message edited by author 2004-03-22 23:39:32.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

03/22/2004 11:50:29 PM · #6

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

This one is for my house. I read somewhere that the trend is to put more space on the bottom, but I'm not sure why. And did you mean 1/3 as a ratio--that is if I went with a 1.5" border on the sides, it would be 2" on the bottom? I am not sure AmericanFrame even lets you do that.

I realize it's what I like, but ordering these things blind, with no chance to redo (easily), I value other's opinions. What do you think of the three options below? Would you go for the widest mat, the narrowest, or the in-between.

I note you say "bright white". When I did some other prints at a framing store, they advised me, and it made sense, not to use bright white, but rather to use an off-white; the argument is then this doesn't upstage the whites in your photo, and indeed look weird if you have no pure whites in the photo. What do you think?

RHoldenSr

Canon EOS-5D

03/23/2004 01:08:29 AM · #7

I like that much better.

About the margin of error I can't answer that question for sure.

Originally posted by nshapiro:

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/23/2004 01:34:48 AM · #8

there are two different white mattes I like. The "rag" matte for archival use (but I use it alot) is a pretty bright white, but has a softness to it because of it being made from cloth (from what I understand). I also like to use what they call antique white, which has a creamier color to it. I use that one on the photos I want to have that "antique", more aged look.
I have been doing alot with just equal borders all the way around the print. Easier on me for one, but I like the more centered equal look to it. the adding the larger bit of space on the bottom, is apparently an "old" framers thing.
From what you wrote, that is how I undertand it works with 1/3 larger space than the other borders. I saw somewhere how to figure this all out, etc. and there is a neat little tool for it also. but, that is more if you do it yourself.
Oh yes, I tend to like the middle sized one you have. gives it an more equal balance. but then I don't like the really giant borders either.

Message edited by author 2004-03-23 01:35:57.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/23/2004 02:12:00 AM · #9

Hahaha ...

When I started putting a larger border on the bottom (years ago) people told me it was odd ... that "everybody" had a larger border on the top (I think to give the feeling that the image had "settled in" to the "cradle" formed by the bottom and sides. I think the trend towards more on the bottom comes from recent graphic design, since almost everyone puts their titles and such there (poster-like).

KarenB

Canon EOS-70D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

03/23/2004 08:54:22 AM · #10

I think the smaller border is nice as it gives the person buying it a chance to decide for themselves how large a matte to add while framing.