Picture Framing - Where to Start, What to Choose

Picture framing is an art in and of itself. It requires a good eye, patience and a lot of practice - but picture framing does not have to be complicated. And actually, once you've done the work of mounting the image properly, picking out custom picture frames is the easiest part of picture framing.
Metal, Plastic or Wood Picture Frames?

You have a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing the right custom picture frames, but such freedom can be a burden as well - especially because there are so many materials and styles to choose from when it comes to picture frame mouding. There are however a few general rules of thumb that can be helpful.

First of all, keep in mind that your painting or photo should be the focus, not the picture frame moulding. Avoid any kind of gaudy or inappropriate material that might compete with the artifact being framed.

Secondly, consider the setting in which the completed, framed work will be displayed. What is the décor like? Is it traditional or contemporary? Metal frames are fine for the latter, but wood picture frames with an unobtrusive stain work best in most other situations.

Shape?

Virtually all photos and paintings are rectangular; although oval frames exist, they are considered quite dated and in fact have not been common since Victorian times.

The length and width of an image is called its aspect ratio. This is a mathematical formula measured in units. An aspect of 4:3 would be some multiple of 4 inches by 3 inches - i.e., 12 by 9, 16 by 12, etc. In the past, 4:3 was the most common for photographs, but digital photography has changed the rules in this respect. Custom picture frames may be required when the image is not of a standard aspect ratio, and this can make for some challenges when it comes to picture framing.

Choices

Whether you decide on metal or wood picture frames, don't be afraid to spend a few sheckles on high-quality picture framing supplies. If you skimp on this today, it will cost you big later on. Good-quality, name-brand picture framing supplies are not an expense - they are an investment in the protection of your fine art and photographic images.

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer.Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love. In this article Susan talks about--picture framing.