About Mark Beach Expertise I can answer any questions about custom picture framing or any one of custom picture framing components, i.e. matting, glass, mounting and wood or metal frames. I can answer questions about proper framing techniques to preserve artwork. I can not answer questions about restoring artwork or the value of artwork.
Experience I have over eleven years experience in custom picture framing and nine years experience managing a frame shop. I have worked in every retail area of custom picture framing.
Education/Credentials I've trained under 3 indiviuals that have more than fifty years of combined expierence. I have attended several PPFA (Profestional Picture Framers Association) certified workshops.
Expert: Mark Beach Date: 6/19/2007 Subject: Photo Montages
Question I recently bought a Canon Rebel XT SLR and have been taking several family pictures. What I'd like to do is create a photo montage of the pictures I have taken. We have an upstairs hall that has wall space on both sides and I'd like to start creating a montage on the walls of the pictures I take over the years. What is your suggestion on best way to do this and types of frames etc for photo montages? I don't want to spend a lot on frames so would acrylic or plastic frames work? I plan to put some 8''x11'' and 5''x7'' and 4''x6'' photos to vary the size. Other options you would suggest to do this? Thanks for your input
Answer Hi Jon,
Let me start by apologizing for taking so long to respond. my Internet connection as been down and it is been hard to get it back up and running. To answer your question in my opinion wood frames always create the best look. Of course wood frames come in many finishes and styles. There are many wood tone finishes, golds, silvers, blacks to name just a few. The quality and longevity of these frames can not be duplicated. To address the cost factors; since you are going to print in 8 x 10, 5 x 7 and 4 x 6 you can keep the cost down by buying readymade frames or sometimes called pre-manufactured frames. Those sizes are relatively small which will also help to keep the cost down. It sounds like this is something you want to invest in over the next few years and I think in the end you will be much more pleased with better quality frames. Some custom frame shops will carry readymade frames made out of custom framing moulding material and reduce the price from the custom framing price. For example: at my shop if we have a small piece of moulding left from a custom frame order we will take that stick of moulding and cut a 5 x 7 frame and sell it for half what a 5 x 7 custom frame would cost. That means if it is an expensive moulding and a custom 5 x 7 costs sixty dollars then the readymade might cost only twenty-five or thirty dollars. I tell you this to let you know there are ways of getting very nice, quality frames without it costing an arm and leg. One last idea, mix up the finishes of the frames. Pick the finish of the moulding based on what is best for each photo. I feel a montage looks best when not all the frames are the same. It will also be easier to frame them using readymades if you are open to mixing up different finishes within the montage. Again I apologize for the delay and I hope my answer gives you some ideas to think about.
