PHOTO FRAMING TIPS - PHOTO HANGING TIPS

Once you have gone through the trouble of restoring a precious old family photograph you probably will want to frame and hang it were it can be appreciated. Here are a few things to consider first.

DO YOU HAVE A BACK-UP DIGITAL PHOTO FILE OR NEGATIVE?

Make sure that you get, and safely store away, a digital photo file or negative of all important photographs. In this way you will be able to replace the photo if anything bad happens. Image Master always provides a digital photo file with each restoration.

STORE BOUGHT READY MADE PHOTO FRAMES AND MATS

Ready made frames are inexpensive but usually come in a limited number of standard sizes such as 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10. They may or may not include a mat board. For example an 8x10 frame will accommodate an 8x10 photo without a mat or a 5x7 picture with a mat. Most photo stores carry a selection of mats and frames.

These frames are great if you are able to print your photo at one of the default sizes. However, many older pictures were taken in non standard sizes. It may be necessary to take your picture to a photo framing store and have them make a custom frame and mat.

PHOTO MAT BOARD - ENHANCE PHOTO

Although it is not necessary to have a mat board, it is highly recommended that you use one. A mat will enhance most photos and help draw the eye to the framed image.

Mat colors should not over power the picture. It should be neutral in color and have less color intensity than the subject. Wide mats are preferable. The mat boarder width should not equal the frame width. Additional mats underneath the top mat can be used to add accent colors.

PHOTO MAT BOARD - PROTECT PHOTO

Mat boards also perform the important task of keeping the photo separate from the glass surface. Moisture will condense if there is no air gap, and could lead to mildew and mold. It could also cause the photograph to stick to the glass surface.

It is best to use an acid-free mat board. This will ensure that your precious photo is not damaged.

PHOTO FRAMING STORES

A more expensive option is to take your photograph to a professional at a local Photo Framing Store and let them do the work for you. The advantage to this is that they can advise you as to what frame and mat combination is most suitable. They can also advise you regarding your options of preservation through the use of special mats and glass.

PHOTO HANGING LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS

Always hang pictures were they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Photos will be damaged by heat, ultraviolet light rays, and high humidity.

If you must hang a photo in a high light area, consider using “Conservation Glass” which is designed to block most of the damaging UV light.

Do not hang photographs over a heat source or in a high humidity area such as a bathroom.

PHOTO HANGING LEVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Hang at eye-level. However, if more time is spent sitting in the room as apposed to standing, hang lower.

It is best to hang photos on a small wall or in a hallway or corridor. In this way they can be viewed and appreciated close up.

Source : http://www.imphotorepair.com