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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> stupid framing question
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Showing posts 1 - 8 of 8, (reverse)
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 01/07/2011 08:38:46 AM · #1
So I'm lousy at picking mats and frames, but at least I've done it many times for colored pictures. However, I've never framed a B&W pict. Do I really just have a black or white mat and a black frame?

This photo was selected for an art show in Minnesota. What would be the best way to mat/frame it?



Any help would be greatly appreciated -- since there are awards given, I'm really hoping I can find framing that can enhance it (or at least not detract.)

thanks!
 01/07/2011 09:36:47 AM · #2
You wouldn't use a colored mat for a B&W picture, so yeah, your choice really is black or white mat with a black frame.

White is the most common color mat to use, but I think I would do a double mat with white on the inside, and black on the outside. The white will frame the picture and give it boundaries, and the black will reinforce the blacks, and make the whites in the picture more prominent in comparison.
 01/07/2011 09:39:24 AM · #3
Would a white mat be too harsh? Would you ever consider a grey mat for the inner one?

I've also seen people do a double mat of the same color. What about a double black?

Does the frame need to be black? I'm guessing so, or it I think it would draw your eye away from the picture. But would anyone frame a B&W in grey or silver?
 01/07/2011 10:16:39 AM · #4
I once bought some mat board that was black on the outside and white on the inside (or vise versa), so that when cut, it just gave a real nice thin opposite inner color. I have no idea where I got it.
 01/07/2011 10:58:54 AM · #5
Originally posted by vawendy:
Would a white mat be too harsh? Would you ever consider a grey mat for the inner one?

I've also seen people do a double mat of the same color. What about a double black?

Does the frame need to be black? I'm guessing so, or it I think it would draw your eye away from the picture. But would anyone frame a B&W in grey or silver?


Realistically, there isn't a single right or wrong answer. Take the print to Michael's or a frame store and try a couple to see how they look.
 01/07/2011 11:27:14 AM · #6
While not nearly the same thing you could do a quick mock up of the matte and frame in photoshop to get an idea.
Like this
01/07/2011 12:20:54 PM · #7
Originally posted by vawendy:
So I'm lousy at picking mats and frames, but at least I've done it many times for colored pictures. However, I've never framed a B&W pict. Do I really just have a black or white mat and a black frame?

This photo was selected for an art show in Minnesota. What would be the best way to mat/frame it?



Any help would be greatly appreciated -- since there are awards given, I'm really hoping I can find framing that can enhance it (or at least not detract.)

thanks!


It depends on what sort of an "art show" it is. I'm surprised they didn't present any submission guidelines to you. If you want to play it safe, you will limit your choices to

1. minimal exhibition frame, either wood or metal, mat black, wired. Aluminum frames are often less expensive and more easily assembled.
2. 4-ply archival matte(s) (if you cut your own mattes, anything thicker is difficult to cut well), white (not off-white) single or double.

What is equally important is the paper and corresponding ICC profile you print on... inks used... colour management, proofing etc., but I imagine you have this covered...
 01/07/2011 01:24:50 PM · #8
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by vawendy:
So I'm lousy at picking mats and frames, but at least I've done it many times for colored pictures. However, I've never framed a B&W pict. Do I really just have a black or white mat and a black frame?

This photo was selected for an art show in Minnesota. What would be the best way to mat/frame it?



Any help would be greatly appreciated -- since there are awards given, I'm really hoping I can find framing that can enhance it (or at least not detract.)

thanks!


It depends on what sort of an "art show" it is. I'm surprised they didn't present any submission guidelines to you. If you want to play it safe, you will limit your choices to

1. minimal exhibition frame, either wood or metal, mat black, wired. Aluminum frames are often less expensive and more easily assembled.
2. 4-ply archival matte(s) (if you cut your own mattes, anything thicker is difficult to cut well), white (not off-white) single or double.

What is equally important is the paper and corresponding ICC profile you print on... inks used... colour management, proofing etc., but I imagine you have this covered...


It's an art show. Painting, photography, sculpture. The only guidelines they had were for size. We can choose whatever matting, framing, paper choice, etc that we'd like.

I don't know much about paper & printing -- I sent it to WHCC and did their lustre paper printing with a couple of different contrast options and one with their lustre coating.
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