Translation of Contest Rules.. ?? (Printed format)

[mjjgm]

I'm interested in submitting images to a contest called "Nature of Mecklenburg" but I don't exactly understand one of the rules.

It states:

"Number and size: entrants may submit up to 3 printed borderless images fitting within a framework no smaller than 11”x17” and no larger than 17”x22”. (Both Color and Black and White images will be accepted). Printed images must be mounted on a stiff backing board (preferably _” foamcore)."

Does this mean that they want a photo printed on foamcore only that is 11x17 min? As in, no matting or frames allowed?

I get confused by 'borderless images' (does this mean no mat?) and 'framework' (doesn't that imply frame?). If framing & or matting is allowed, the photo could be smaller than 11x14 but adding the frame (& mat if allowed) makes the entry BECOME 11x14. (That's what I did on the last contest I entered.)

If it implies to only print on foamcore, then what are wall mounting procedures for that? Do I need to provide that?

Help anyone?

[mjjgm]

Umm... so... are the photo requirements just as confusing to the rest of you?

[dannyrich]

I would say it refers to a digital border on the picture.

Min 11 x 17 max 17 x 22. Printed on something stiff not just a standard picture print, preferably foamcore.

But i havent entered any competitions so i dont know!

My thought is to avoid a picture being printed at really good qual smaller than the minimum and a border applied to take it up to the requirement but keeping the original image sharp.

I thought the frame work reference was just term to suggest it would be printed to a standard size photo frame format. Not that you need apply one.

[RustySterling]

The size requirements are somewhat confusing to me. But the mounting requirement is very clear.

You can't print onto foamcore. But you can mount your photo to foamcore with mounting glue. Be careful with this stuff, it can get messy.

Personally, I'd mount to heavy poster board and find a photo shop or local framing shop that does hot iron mounting. Or you could do it at home with your own iron but it's trickier. With hot iron mounts, you use a special tissue that you stick on to the back of your print at one small point. Then the print with the tissue and mounting board is put a hot press, pressed down and after a few seconds released. This process marries the print to the mounting board.

This works really well and chances are the print will never seperate from the mounting board (unless you are in a very humid envirnoment). I use to do this for photojournalism contests when I was in college.

[AnneWynne]

Contact the contest office and ask for clarification to get your questions answered. I am sure they have had others call with similar questions.

Good Luck,
Anne

[mjjgm]

Thanks for the replies! So it sounds like I just need to mount to foamcore & enter without any frame. I will probably call to double check, but I posted here first since I'm new to this and didn't want to bother the contest people directly without some research first.

I'm pretty intimidated by trying to mount a photo myself. (hot irons? ack!) But I bet it's cheaper...

I was originally thinking MPIX, since I can order foamcore mounted images on there, but their foamcore mounts are only 3/16" and the contest recommends 1/4".

MPIX also offers a new mounting called "Standouts" which puts the photo onto what they call "lightweight Gatorfoam" and it's 1.5" thick. It seems pretty expensive - 16x20 is $70 without lustre coating.

Do you think 'gatorfoam' is a good idea? Or would it be cheaper to go to a local framing place that could do a regular 1/4" foamcore mount?

Should I get lustre coating on the photo? Does that really help significantly in protecting it? Does it change the viewing of the image at all?

[zephod]

I believe you have a hobby lobby near you and that is the answer to all your questions. Just have a good quality print; I'm not sure about optimal size I'd just guess an 11x14 print then mounting it on say a 15x18 piece of foam core. The hobby lobby can do the print mounting for you for under 10 dollars including neatly cutting down your foam core to size.

Although you could then laminate the photo and foam core I personally believe that would detract from the photo itself. Hope this helps you and good luck in the contest.


D

PS. Here's the store location in case you need it. http://www.hobbylobby.com/stores/stores.cfm?page=9 Well the stores in Matthews. Not sure why the link didn't work but it should help you get what you need without breaking the bank.

[mjjgm]

Thanks zephod! I can't find foam core info on their website, but I will just go in and talk to someone about it, I'm sure they'll help me out. Thanks again!

[zephod]

No problem. As for the foam core it's standard in mounting prints and photographs. Just take your stuff in and they should hook you right up.


d

[mjjgm]

So I went into Hobby Lobby the other day and it's like $9 for a 12x18 foam core mount. Nice!

The guy working there did however say that he only recommends doing it with "glossy" photos. Not lustre coated and not metallic prints. He said those prints couldn't handle the high heat used to mount to the foam core.

So what do you guys do with metallic prints? or lustre coated ones? Are those just to put in a plain frame?

I would've thought that a 'matte' print would work also, but he specifically said it should be 'glossy'... Have any of you foam core mounted a matte print?

The guy did talk about some other type of mounting, but I can't remember the name of it - he said it's mainly used for Newspapers and it puts a finish over the whole thing but I don't think it permanently attaches to a foam core board. He said if I wanted any board thicker than 3/16" then I'd have to do this method.

Of course the requirements of the competition is 1/4" !! So a 3/16" mount is 1/16" too thin!! Or do you think I can get away with a 3/16" mount since the photo itself will add to the 3/16"?