 Leah Earle |
Matting, Mounting, and Framing Photos I am entering a local art exhibit and contest where the photos need to be mounted on hard board and matted. Both photos are color, and I wanted to know what color of mat was appropriate. Black, white, or coordinate it with the colors in the photo? I also would like to know if hard board is another name for foam-core board? And one more question: Is it better to have the image displayed in a frame or just the mat and mounting board? I'm new to all of this, so any answers would be greatly appreciated. The show starts 12/12/05.
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A C |
I'm partial to black matting without frames. If you do decide to go without frames, consider what kind of margin you want on all four sides. I'm a graphic design student, and the printed projects that I turn in have to be mounted on black board. My professors want a 2-3 inch boarder around the compositions. When some of my classmates put on tiny 1 inch boarders it looks tacky and wiimpy. The larger margins look awesome. I don't know if the rules are at all similar with photography, but you might want to experiment and see what looks best to you. I think frames are too constricting. What if you don't want to stick to a straight 4x6, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, etc? Consider keeping the same margins on both photos. Or, if they are different sizes, you might keep the overall sizes of the matting the same. But, like I said, this all works for graphic design. The rules might be different for photography. I look forward to reading what others think.
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Calgarey Penn |
I usually use a white mat for most of the photos I display for public viewing. Some sort of a neutral white or a slight variation of it. I find that when people consider purchasing photos, they are often thinking in terms of how it will look with their decor. Colored mats are probably not a good way to go, unless someone asks for a specific mat color in advance. But, of course, that is not to say that color mats might not be a good choice in some instances. I would advise keeping the matted photos to standard sizes ... 8x10, 11x 14, 16x20, etc. That lets folks choose from readily available frames.
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Leah Earle |
Thank you Cherylann and Calgarey for your quick answers. Wish me luck!
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John P. Sandstedt |
Believe it or not, there are many judges who will not give a score to, or downgrade, any print not presented on white mat board. So, think very carefully about using black or any other color in competition unless you know the judges and the "tastes". I'd start out with white board on general principles. As to hanging your work on a wall: for black and white, use black or white matboard as first and second choices (not necessarily in that order). For color, I also like to pick up a color in the print - but you need to be careful that the board doesn't dominate! Oh, DON'T frame your images for the competition. That's routinely a "NO! NO!" as the frames might cause damage to another's work as it's handled and passed through the print light box. Good Luck.
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Linda Weekley |
First of all, read the prospectus for the contest. It will TELL you how you are to mount/mat/frame your entries. Normally frames are not allowed for contests, you only frame when you are taking part in an Exhibit. My suggestion would be stay conservative if this is your first time in a contest. Go to the reception and see how the winning entries are prepared. I have not experienced any partiality with white/black mats over color mats, just be sure the color doesn't dominate the photo. As for backing, I use scrap mat board. You can cut it yourself, or have your art center cut it to fit the size of your top mat. Your print is sandwiched between the two pieces of mat board.
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Leah Earle |
Thank you for all of the responses. They are much appreciated and helpful.
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Sandra J. Colby |
Read the prospectus of the art show. If it is an art organization they will most likely insist the image be framed and ready to hang with wire. A simple black frame is classic. If sepia image, consider a medium brown frame with a creamy colored mat.
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