Photo framing

[CalicoFraming]

I know this is a really elementary question, but what's the procedure for framing a photograph with a mount. Does it need to be dry mounted first? Is there anything else that's particular to framing photos I should know?

Thanks guys
Calico

[prospero]

Depends on the photo.

If it's an old one, it's likely not replaceable. It should be preserved in it's current state. Whether it has intrinsic value or purely sentimental. If it's in a poor condition, there is the option to copy it (the copy can be re-touched if necessary) and frame the copy. The original can then be archived in a safe place.

Modern photos generally are mounted (stuck down). Ideally the photographer should do this.

Nowadays the term 'photograph' covers a wider field. A le giclee print of a painting is essentially a photograph. In a that case drymounting is a no-no.

[CalicoFraming]

Crumbs, should have know that the answer wasn't going to be simple!

In this case, the client is a graphic designer and has printed his image onto photographic paper (according to him, I've not seen the thing yet). So it's easily reproducible. Nevertheless, I want to make sure that it looks good and that down the line it still looks good.

Would it be ok just to hinge it rather than sticking it down?

Thanks!
Calico

[GeoSpectrum]

If you have access to a Jetmounter or similar I would stick it down, not sure about doing this my hand though as bubbles can occur if it is not done correctly. Traditional mounting can look fine (ie with T hinges and a mount, however it will depend on the thickness of the paper wether it lays flat and if you have enough space to play with to cover the hinge are with the mount. Sometimes you can see a slight ripple under the top edge of the mount if the hinges are close to the top edge of the opening.

If you are not sure about it go for T hinges, and a wide enough mount to cover where the hinges are attached, assuming that the print has a wide margin......at least if the photographer is not happy with the result you then have another option of sticking it down.

Make sure that if you do stick it down that they know there is a risk that things might not work out and a reprint would probably be required.

[Ricky]

We sell a lot of our own Photography, mainly local scenes for the tourist trade.
We print our own on heavyweight archival matt papers & most are hinged & mounted without any problems.
Some are cold pressed onto White Display Board sometimes laminated sometimes not,
again without any problems.

[prospero]

You only tend to get a PITA mounting hi-gloss photos. If you hinge them, the slightest wave will stick out like a sore thumb. If you stick them down there is the tendency to overall 'orange peel' unless you use specialised substrates like aluminium or glass.
Some photos are temperature-critical.

[CalicoFraming]

What's a guy to do then? Hinging = wavy edges; mounting = orange peel!

[Gus]

It all depends on your resources and what the customer wants.....

If you don't have a cold/hot press/tacky board option, then only offer the hinging. If you do have - or can outsource - the press options, then offer these as well. Showing examples of how the final image will look has always been a winner with me - whatever method you offer. Don't give options you can't offer, rather explain the results you can offer and work with the customer to decide what their requirements are and if you can achieve them. - salesmanship comes into play here I think! (but I always say that other options may be available with other local framers - not had many turn away though)

[CalicoFraming]

Thanks Gus, sensible advice as always

Calico

[CalicoFraming]

Hi all,
have another job framing a photo - this time I've been supplied with a digital file and it's up to me to get it printed. So given the comments above about glossy photos going wavy, orange peel, etc... can anyone suggest a printing method which will yield a nice print plus something that will be (relatively) trouble free to frame? Any suggestions gratefully received!

Thanks
Calico

[Gus]

I don't offer printing myself, but one photographer I frame for always gets his prints - up to 24" x 36" printed at costco's - dirt cheap and I can't tell any difference in quality of finish (but then my eyes aren't the best!). I always put these through the jetmounter and haven't had a problem with any of the effects you mention.

I am sure someone on the forum will be able to advise you on the finer points of printing and what is good v bad.

For this job it depends on the 'value' of the photo I guess, and what the customer is willing to pay. Source out some local printing options and get back to the customer with the prices - let them decide.

Have you given (or had accepted) a quote yet?

I guess it sounds like a minefield - but I learnt the hard way - only offer what you can deliver and you can't go far wrong!

[CalicoFraming]

Thanks Gus, I was thinking either I'd take it to the local camera shop to get it printed on photographic paper, or send it to my local print bureau who have the latest inkjet machines. I know either will give me a nice looking print, my issue is rather will the type of paper used, etc. have implications for the framing?

thanks
Calico

[Gesso&Bole]

I am no expert on photo papers, but as a framer I prefer matt finishes to gloss, and generally prefer the paper thicker rather than thinner (but then again, if it has been rolled up, thicker paper can be more of a problem).

I would find a knowledgeable independent printer locally, seek advice, and forge a trade relationship.

[Zolf]

Self adhesive foamboard. (Russian roulette.) I love it. Apart from the obvious cleanliness, get yourself a super fine cloth (that doesn't leave scratch marks) Then position the print on the board conveniently (leaving enough around for a mat, for example), trace it around carefully with a sharp blade, peel a couple of inches off and start sticking. Peel and stick, peel and stick. Try to stick smaller things down first, to perfect your technique. You'll love it. It's simple, cheap and elegant.

[strokebloke]

This may be an utterly stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway. (after 65 yrs I very little pride left )
What is the difference between a print of, say a painting, and a photo on photographic quality paper?
I ask, because all I'm framing at the moment is photos. And I'm tee hinging them onto mountboard, behind a window mount.
I thought (had been led to understand) that this was the correct procedure.
This post suggests that I am in error.

[Jonny2morsos]

It is not that you are in error but in a lot of cases a photo is treated as a replaceable item and therefore presentation has been given a higher priority than preservation.

With your method (T Hinging to undermount) the photograph is removable. If, for instance, the photo was of a sports personality and it had been signed the owner might in the future want to remove it from the frame and sell it to cash in on its value.

Stick it down and that's it the value is more than likely gone.

[strokebloke]

Ahh. That makes sense John. Thank you

[Gesso&Bole]

And to add to John's reply . . . .

There are lots of different types of photo paper, some of which are fine when hinged, but others don't behave nicely unless firmly adhered to a very smooth surface. Oh, and if you do stick them down, some give an 'orange peel' effect. But that's an answer to a different question!