Installation ideas and layout for the exhibition:

what pictures to chose, how to frame, what sizes to print? 

The overall colour of the images is an important factor to consider. The images should not only work well together but also compliment the décor of your target area. All the images should come together as a set. Ten sepia and two black and white just looks as though you ran out of images, regardless of how good they are.

The colour of your mounts and frames is also very important. Black, white or cream are the classic colours that compliment most images. The purposed of the mount and frame is to concentrate the eye on the photograph, so regardless of how much pink there is in that fantastic sunrise, a matching pink mount will only serve to dilute the image.

Framing:

  No Colored Mats or Frames:

This means black or white frames and black or white mats only (grey and cream mats are not acceptable). While natural wood frames are not exactly a “color”, they stick out as the only non-black or white frame in the show. This is why it is important that the framing is restricted to black or white. Hanging a show should depend on the image, the flow of the room, and the size of the work. Color of frames and/or mats should not be a factor in assembling the show.

-       Black Frame vs. White Frame:

White frames have had a recent surge in popularity, particularly with color images. For images with cool or muted tones, I think white frames are a great option. They remove the “black border” effect often used in silver gelatin printing, and rarely used in color photography. They also bring more attention to the image. However, I do not think that white frames are the best option for black and white prints. For the most part they should be left to color images, in my opinion.

-       Metal Frame vs. Wood Frame:

As a photographer, I do not have a preference for either wood or metal frames. As a gallerist concerned with esthetics, I do not have a preference either. But as a gallerist who hates to tell her artists that their work has been damaged, I much prefer metal frames. Metal frames will not crack or chip in shipping and will not split if the wire is screwed in too tightly. If something happens to the photograph (such as an image slipping in its frame), I am able to open it up and address the problem. They also tend to be lighter and thus less expensive to ship.

Whilst researching the framing of my photographs, i believe I either need a black frame around my images, or to not be framed at all. I think that my photographs will look good with no frame as all of my images have all white background. -need to see if michelle like the idea of a no frame? is this a good idea or not?