For those who 'show' photos

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

I have a question. By show I mean having an art show with your photos. I have one coming up and and wondering, do you do your own framing and matting and so on yourself? Have you found a local source that doesn't cost and arm and a leg? The venue I'm going to be in is large and has lots of wall space (restaurant). I'm estimating I'll have room for 25 or 30 photos. I keep hearing prices like $50 to frame and mat ( and that's supposed to be a deal) so when I do that math it's like 'YIKES'
Suggestions? Thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks Much to all you DU photo freaks!

[Major Nikon]

1. Online sources are probably your best bet

There are a number of outfits online that cater to serious amateurs and professionals. Most of these places will also print on-site, so you just send them the media and they return a finished product. If someone else is paying for it, that's what I do. If it's for my own personal use, I usually buy the frame materials online and do it myself which usually saves you a few bucks. There's a few tricks to doing a quality framing yourself, but it's not difficult.

For sizes larger than 8x10, $50 probably isn't a bad price for a quality frame if not more. Quality frame materials, better glass, better mats, proper hanging hardware, and a quality back cover all increase the price. The big box hobby stores often have coupons and/or sales and you can get stock kits that come with most everything you need for standard sizes, but you pretty much get what you pay for in terms of quality. If you are selling your work, you generally want the quality of the frame to be commensurate with the asking price.

[Trailrider1951]

2. Here is my answer to the frame and mat problem:

www.dickblick.com


I bought this mat cutter:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/logan-350-1-compact-elite-mat-cutter/

and this framing tool:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/logan-framing-fitting-tool/

for around $150.

I get my mat board at my local Michael's store, and I search Goodwill for used frames. This is a very inexpensive way to get your artwork finished for the big show. Hope this helps!

[womanofthehills]

4. I get my frames online - I like Neilson metal frames

Dick Blick carries Neilson metal frames, but American Frame has a larger selection and colors. Very easy to put together - order the simple hardware that goes with the frame. I usually order the frame 1/8 larger than the glass and matt. I buy the glass at a local frame supply/glass shop.
http://www.americanframe.com/departments/metal-picture-frames/metal-picture-frame-collections.aspx

I also invested in my own matt cutter, but I often try to use standard size pre cut matts for smaller prints. Clearbags.com. http://www.clearbags.com/mats-backing/pre-cut or cheaper matts at https://www.goldenstateart.com. At goldenstateart you can get a nice cheap 16" x 20" matt that I like to use. They also sell backing board. I use foam core board between the backing board and frame - you can get archival foam core at an art supply store or cheap foam core board at Walmart.

If you need to frame that many photos, you could just put them under plexiglass with clips - a cheap alternative. http://www.dickblick.com/categories/clip-frames/

I have been selling out of galleries for over 35 years and do all my own printing and framing.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

5. Thank you for the info

and regarding plexiglass vs frames and mats , which do you prefer? It would seem to me a frame would/could distract from the photo. What does your experience say regarding that?

[Pharaoh]

7. I gave up on matted framing

the new rage is canvas wrap. Looks beautiful, no glass to reflection on, and makes your stuff look very professional.

When selling stuff in a gallery and framing it is such a huge cost it is hardly worth it. But the satisfaction that someone thought enough of your work to pay big bucks is very satisfying.

It's a huge investment but I would go that way if your serious to make it in that environment.

http://www.picturesalon.com/

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

8. I have a few of my photos on canvas

and they do look good. Hmmmmmmm................

[Mz Pip]

6. I do my own matting and framing.

I try to format my prints to standard sizes so I can use precut mats. Clearbags .com has precut matts that are reasonable. They also sell frames, backing boards and clear bags for non framed prints.

I do have a mat cutter that I use for non standard size mats but still work it so I can use standard size frames. Most art supply stores have standard frames as do some craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn.

Good luck and congrats on your exhibit!

Mz Pip

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

9. Thank you for the info

I have to remember standard sizing is a good thing to follow. I also draw and paint and find it very troublesome to decide to frame something I've made only to realize it's an odd shape.........