Framing Pictures DIY or Professional??

[mehtasahil]

Hello everyone,

I'm starting to like my pictures of an LCD and I have an urge to start printing my own work and probably start putting them on walls in my home. Because I'm an amateur photographer, I'm quite happy with Officeworks cheap price printing upto A3 size.
Now my questions is how do you guys frame your own images that you print?
A DIY tutorial or a cheap cheap framing shop or an artistic light cardboard mount..

Suggestions, ideas, comments or links are appreciated??

Regards
SM

[rosserx]

Rule #1. Always use a mat when framing your photos. You do not want the photo directly touching the glass. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause photo paper to expand and contract. And when its flat against the glass it can sometimes cause severe non-reversible damage to the artwork. A mat acts as a spacer between the paper and glass. Not to mention matted artwork looks professional! (whatever that means)

[mehtasahil]

Rosserx,

Thanks Mate.. I'll keep that in mind for framing some pictures on the weekend.

SM

[jdepould]

I've done the whole DIY matting and framing thing, and while it was definitely a valuable experience, I'm not a huge fan of doing it. It's really easy to mess up, and then you have to scrap it and start over.

Now, I just get everything shipped to me already in a frame. MPix and Miller's do a really great job.

[mehtasahil]

Originally Posted by jdepould

I've done the whole DIY matting and framing thing, and while it was definitely a valuable experience, I'm not a huge fan of doing it. It's really easy to mess up, and then you have to scrap it and start over.

Now, I just get everything shipped to me already in a frame. MPix and Miller's do a really great job.

Jdepould - at the moment my priority is to expand my photography gear which leave me with less cash for framing from outside. But I understand where you coming from..

Thanks
SM

[kirbinster]

You can accomplish the spacing from the glass without a mat. They make spacers which are thin strips of black plastic with adhesive on one side. They stick to the glass on all four sides and your print rides on them about an eighth inch below the glass. I have used them on a 20 by 30 print in my home.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by mehtasahil

Jdepould - at the moment my priority is to expand my photography gear which leave me with less cash for framing from outside. But I understand where you coming from..

Thanks
SM

As long as you don't end up starting over so many times it costs you more!