Which framing is the best for my pictures

Framing is an extension of the photography process that began with clicking of your shutter button.Once you decide to frame your picture then choices in framing can be myriad and processoverwhelming. There are several options to tackle the framing job. You need to decide on the design offrame, different type of mats, frames, glass and the way the picture is going to be mounted. Despitehaving several choices the overall process of framing generally remains the same. Frame essentiallydoes the job of enhancing your image, bring focus to your favorite photograph, protect it and bringprofessional feel to it.

Framing Options

There are two broad categories in which frames can be divided: ready-made and custom made. Themajor difference between the two is that ready-made frames are produced in bulk with one size fit all,where you have to basically modify your photograph to fit the frame. Custom Picture frames on theother hand can be entirely handmade and customized as per photograph’s unique specification.Choosing any of the two can be entirely ones choice and there exists no right or wrong answer. Prior todeciding on a frame it is important to understand various components of a frame.

Frames are generally made of wood, metal or plastic. The most common materials for custom madeframes are wood and metal, and for Ready-made frames it is plastic material or a metal base.

Custom Framing

This is the expensive but sophisticated option of framing and are generally in wood or metal base

Custom Wood Frames

Wood frame varies greatly from costly oak moulding to bamboo moulding. There are varied types ofwood frame available in as many types of wood present in market. Although the make of frame isseldom mentioned or demanded by the buyers but special attention is given to design and finish of theframe. Wooden frame can be designed and cut in various design and they have the option of built tobuyers’ specification easily. Wooden frames can bring old age feeling and sophistication to yourphotograph.

Custom Metal Frames

In case of metallic frames they are much simple to design when compared to wooden frames. Specialtydesigns can be obtained in Metal framing- such as brushed rounded corners (by using chemicals) andbaded designs. Few benefits that metal frame enjoys over wooden frame are that they are more durableand will not warp with time. Metal frame are easy to make when compared to wood and are also lesscostly than wooden frames.

Thus custom frames gives the option to choose your material and since every part of custom madeframe need to be built from scratch the time and cost required to make a custom frame is more.However the finish and quality you get with custom frames are unbeatable

Ready Made Frames

Ready-made picture frames are made in bulk and comes in usual size of a standard photograph printssuch as 8x10, 6x4 etc. There is no flexibility in changing the material or design of the frame and thebuyer has to simply accept the material, matting color and dimensions offered.

Ready-made frames can also be made in various materials such as plastic, acrylic including wood andmetal. These frames are inexpensive as they are basically created in bulk and come with low glazingand backing option.

So which is the best Frame?

The reality here is that there is no one single answer to this question. For some ready-made project willbe just fine while in other cases more expensive custom made frame will be suitable.

As a rule of thumb ready-made frame should be used when the photograph can be cut to standard sizeand is not too precious. Such examples are digital photograph or posters. They might have highsentimental value but they can be reprinted at click of mouse.

Custom made frame are best to preserve family heirloom and irreplaceable artwork and has theflexibility to choose high quality such as acid free materials that can preserve the artwork for decades.

Ultimately the frame you choose should be based on your budget, pictures value (monetarily andemotional both) with proper consideration being given to the place where you are going to hang it.