Printing, Matting and Framing

[djg05478]

A small collection of random questions about printing, matting and framing photography.

So I'm thinking of giving some of my printed photos as holiday gifts.

Qestion #1: Does it matter where I have the photos printed? Is there a vast difference in the quality of the products being put out by the major online photo processers? I have always used Shutterfly for printed 4x6's, 5x7s etc and I have always been pleased with the results.

Matting and framing...the age old question of Do it Yourself or pay a professional. As long as one is using the appropriate acid-free tape and mats (and you are not looking to do multiple fancy cut mats) is the professional doing anything different of more that would be warranted for a $4 8x10 photo? Is there a special glass that a custom framer would use?

...and if this has already been discussed, please direct me to the thread or search term. I did some searching but didn't come up with anything .

Thanks
Debbie

[DanK]

I have never used shutterfly. However, there is a difference in quality among labs. I suggest that you take one image you really like and send it to a top lab, such as Bay Photo (which is what I use on the rare occasions that I don't print myself) or White House Custom Color. See if there is enough difference between that and Shutterfly to matter to you. Apparently, some Costco stores are very good, while others are not. If you have one nearby, you might try it.

Re matting: Professionals sometimes do more elaborate matting, such as double mats with mats of different thicknesses, but they are doing basically the same thing you can do yourself. However, you will need to get a mat cutter if you want beveled mats. There are other alternatives. For images of standard sizes, you can buy frames with precut mats. Some of the Nielsens have very nice 8-ply mats. Another option is to buy the frame from an online shop like American Frame that will include cut mats.

Re glass: yes, professionals use a variety of types of glass. I generally use UV-protecting glass, but not anti-glare. Nielsen frames come with this. You can also get UV-protecting plexiglass from outfits like American Frame that don't ship glass.

[NorthernFocus]

Few people can tell the difference between printers. Unless you are giving the photos to photo art collectors, they'll not likely appreciate any difference. The biggest issue IMO is getting predictable results from labs. Many consumer labs auto correct colors whether you want it or not. Usually doesn't matter but sometimes it does. As mentioned some Costco labs produce professional results with top end printers. You can figure out the better ones by whether they offer downloads of their printer ICC profiles. They will also let you turn off the auto correct feature. Though few will likely admit it publically, many pros use local Costco labs for anything other than fine art prints. You can find the printer profiles on their website.

Regarding matting, I have the tools and cut my own from time to time. But if you are making "standard" sized prints, IMO it's not worth the time. If you have a local Micheal's or similar craft store, they likely sell precut mats and a wide selection of frames in standard sizes. The only real way to tell a "store bought" frame is by the removable back. If you want it to look more professional you can always glue backing material on it.

[chauncey]

For gift purposes, I don't mess with frames...I use wraparound canvas or stand-off metal prints.
Either way, I use http://www.adoramapix.com/app/products/metalprints

[davidedric]

Hi Debbie,

I'll add my two cents worth. Won't comment on printing, since I'm on the other side of the pond (though I would say that a decent consumer photo printer can produce completely acceptable prints up to 10x8)

On to framing and matting. I do my own, but as a hobby and for fun, not to save money. Framing and matting are two very different subjects.

Creating your own frames from scratch is far from easy if you want them to look good. Personally, I have the pieces of frame cut professionally and join them myself. Obviously, that way you can choose the moulding and the size / aspect ratio that you want, but even then you have to equip yourself with a "joiner". I have decided not to mount under glass: the prints are for my own use, I mount then "non-destructively", see below, and if necessary I would simply re-print and replace the print in the mount and frame. Normal glass almost always gives problems with reflections, and "non-reflective" glass tends to blur photo detail.

On to matting. I do my own and enjoy it, but I wouldn't without a proper mount cutter to allow accurate cuts and a nice bevelled edge. Of course you can choose your own colours, go for double mounts or whatever, but it does take some practice (I actually went on a weekend course to learn the basics of framing and mounting).

Mounting can involve a bit more than using acid free tape. The standard seems to be a "T mount", which ensures that there is nothing attached to the prints surface, and that the print hangs down from the mount between the front and rear mattes, so that it will always stay flat.

Although this is a UK site, there is a lot of information on the subject here: http://www.diyframing.com/page.cfm/content/Support-home

especially if you create an account (free)

Not trying to put you off, but being realistic. I have certainly created satisfactory results by buying pre made frames and mattes, but it's not as much fun!

Dave

[NorthernFocus]

I second the recommendation of canvas or metal prints as gifts.

[Thlayle]

Debbie,

I have been alternating between a nearby professional printing service and Costco for my prints. The quality seems to be the same. Pricing is cheaper at Costco but of course no custom print jobs can be done.

I do my own matting. I have yet to try out having someone else do it. Once you have the equipment, it is just easier & quicker to do it on your own.

Glass: yes, the special coated ones from printing & framing services are very nice but they can quickly drive up cost of course.

I have been experimenting with 'virtual mats' for inexpensive gifts. They are very quick & the quality & overall results have been great. Printed this way with a protective coating, I can produce 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 prints very quickly & inexpensively.

[djg05478]

Thanks everyone, just the information that I am looking for. I appreciate everyone sharing their own perspective about what is important to them and industry practices. I'll be sure to check out some other labs for comparison. Luckily I don't have any art collectors in my social circle so sounds like I'll be able to get away with precut mats and store bought frames for now.

Just last week I placed an order for a couple of my photos on canvas, I'm really looking forward to getting them back.

Thanks again!

Debbie

[NorthernFocus]

...Just last week I placed an order for a couple of my photos on canvas, I'm really looking forward to getting them back.

Hope you enjoy the results. It is an awesome way to hang work. It's also a good way to make larger images if desired. I print canvas at 150ppi/dpi vs 300 for paper or metal.

Each different print medium has its nuances that you have to get used to. Canvas tends to appear darker than paper prints for a given image. On the other hand metal is brighter. So you may have to learn to adjust the final image accordingly. I make multiple copies with suffixes to the file names indicating size, ppi, and intended material.

It's good to work things out with an individual lab(maybe different for different media) so you can get predictable results.