Framing photos

[Peter Ahrens]

Hi, I'm trying to decided what print sizes to choose so they can be framed professionally.

I was wondering if anyone knows if you have to leave a border (like white space) around the photo for it to be framed properly by a professional.

For example, can I print an A4 size photo on an A4 sheet, or do I have to use an A3 sheet to leave white space around the photo.

I hope this makes sense.

[Niresangwa]

Perhaps the framer can advise you on this. I won't assume you didn't already google it. I'm assuming the mat can be cut to any size, and I would think a small border around the print would help with a better fit.

[private]

Any sized photo can be framed by a professional. There is no need to leave a white border around it.

[LeeR]

There are a number of different ways to frame a photograph but most of the time the mat has to encroach slightly over theedge of the image. This encroachment is tiny; a millimeter or so, but it can be significant. I once had a photograph framed and an important element was so close to the edge that we really had a tough time with the framing. For that reason I would suggest that what is important is not to leave a white edge on your image, but to crop a your image in such a way as to allow for the mat.

[Peter Ahrens]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Perhaps the framer can advise you on this. I won't assume you didn't already google it. I'm assuming the mat can be cut to any size, and I would think a small border around the print would help with a better fit.

I guess I should get to the framer and see what she says. Thanks for the tip.

[tinwhistle]

I have a tendancy to crop a little close in the camera which has lead to some tricky matte cutting. Actually, that is why I started cutting my own matte and crafting my own frames. But, as you said, it's best for you at this point to consult a pro framer......Chris

[BCampbell]

There are also multiple ways to display photos.

Most commonly you grab a mat and backing off the shelf. As LeeR said, the hole in the mat by nature has to be slightly smaller than the photo itself. They then affix the photo to the mat, the mat to the backing, and frame.

If you're worried about cutting anything off, you can physically mount the photo to the backing -- usually to foamcore, gatorboard, something like that, either wet (adhesive) or dry (heat). You can then place whatever size mat you like, as its only purpose is to hold the print away from the glass.

You can also directly mount the photo, as above, to a backing like plywood, MDF, whatever, without a frame at all. In that case there's no glass so no mat is needed, and you can either leave space around the edges or just bleed the photo straight to the end of your backing.

Other options too... look around in galleries or grab a few books.