What's in a frame?

There's only one thing almost as important as great photos, and that's making sure your framing is  right for the image & made to last.  Although I always suggest seeing a clients' home when planning out a wall collage, I am thoroughly convinced that any photo or art that is properly framed will work in just about any setting.

Maybe you've asked yourself the following questions...

·         What consititutes a good framing job?

·         What kind of frame will work for my pictures?  Wood, aluminium, synthetic (plastic)?

·         How does my decor influence the framing I choose?

·         Why use an acid-free mat-board (mount) around my pictures?

·         Should I choose a colour mat to surround my photos? If so, what colour?

·         How do I achieve a well-designed wallspace solution that will look like a gallery wall instead of a mish-mash of randomly placed picture frames?

·         How will good framing save me money long-term?

·         How does a well-designed, well-chosen frame enhance the timelessness & longevity of my pictures, thus saving me money?

·         Why are cheap, mass-produced picture frames not really 'bargains' after all?

Before we answer the first question, it’s important to know a little about framing, since you’re placing your priceless images in there for protection.

Lets get a basic answer to the first question:

Q . What constitutes a good framing job?

A.  Uncompromised quality, good design. 

Framing is a craft that demands meticulous attention to detail. A frame that is made to last will have perfectly joined corners (with the right depth pins at the back, as well as glue to hold the corner joints together)   The mount or mat will be neatly cut, without excessive overcuts into the corners (where the picture opening is).  The glass will have been cleaned (sounds obvious but surprisingly enough it’s not always done!) 

You’ll have a good idea of the attention to detail on the inside when you have a look at how the frame is finished off and closed up at the back... Doing a decent job takes time and effort.  Unfortunately much of the framing done today is unsupervised and very little quality control is done.  Very few people question the quality of the framing they receive since they have not yet been exposed to gauging quality workmanship with framing.  Remember, you’re paying a lot for framing these days, don’t pay good money for half-jobs.  A good frame will be passed on to the next generation.

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Be sure to read next weeks’ article for the answer to the follow up question 

"What kind of frame will work for my pictures ?..." 

I will also have some graphics to show you the same picture framed in a few different ways:

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In the interim, here’s a sample of one of many neat “wallspace
 

solutions”.  Theses frames are wood, in a contemporary  but


traditional profile.


Go to www.scusi.co.za for lots more options






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