Printing, frames, sizes and mounts

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Hello,

I’m starting to build up a few nice photographs which I would like to get off the computer and into print. I either want to keep them loosely in some sort of folder/album or frame a few up. However with the multitude of picture and frame sizes available I’m not sure what to do.

I was going to select which images I like and then send them off to an online printer. Is 10x8 a commonly used size which would give good image reproduction for general prints, what size is good for framing?

From there how do people store prints, do you use mounts and if so what sizes?

Thanks
 
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Take some time to work out a system and stick to it.

I have main sizes I print at, all at the same aspect ratio as my camera, then panoramic (same long side)/square (based on the shorter edge) versions of those.

I "T" mount and frame images and hang them, or if I've changed images around just store them in their mount.
 
I agree that I need a system, it just that it’s a bit overwhelming when you go to the online printers sites and there is a whole raft of sizes to choose from. I don’t want to end up getting odd sizes that I have trouble getting frames or albums for. I was looking for suggestions on standard sizes that seem popular. All images I shoot are RAW and with a canon 450D.

The idea is to print off the images that I really like, the family stuff and things I'm giving to other people can stay at the standard 7x5 or 8x6. I wanted to get a number of frames so that I can display stuff on the wall and any images that I subsequently produce can be swopped in and out. The images not on display can then be put into some sort of folder/album.

Whats a T mount?

Thanks.
 
Just choose some frames you like & go from there. I found it easier to stick with the camera aspect ratio (3:2).

T mounting is a type of archival mounting where the image is attached to the backboard just at the top of the image and the mount hinges down from the top. If you hold the backboard and the mount the print hangs down line a "T" shape. It allows for the different materials to expand with heat changes without getting creased
 
Have a look at this thread. Some good advice about standard frame sizes in there. Whilst it is easy to use the same aspect ratio as the camera for all prints, getting custom made frames can be expensive, so matching prints to a standard frame size is useful.

For prints to be sold, I mount 18x12" and 16x12" prints in a 20x16" mount, and 12x8" prints in 16x12" mounts, which means people can buy off-the-shelf frames.

Print & Frame Sizes Advice
 
Thanks JD, I remember that thread but couldn't find it. I agree with going the standard route, I've been down the custom frame route before for a large print I bought and it was very expensive.
 
Not sure how much time you have to hand, but I've found that by far the cheapest method if you want your images on the wall, is to frame things yourself (sort of).

I pick up frames in charity chops for a couple of quid here & there. Then I look at my images and get rough sizes for the print needed to fit in the frame.

Then I cut my own mounts to fit.

I wrote a tutorial here if you are interested... http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=162250

Ian.
 
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