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Copyright © 2011-2012 Ilona Goin.  All rights reserved.  Garden of Light Photography is a service of Opus 9 Media LLC.  www.opus9media.com.

Display your photographs under ideal conditions:

1.  Ensure a safe micro-environment within the frame.  Use acid-free or archival mats and backing boards, and select a frame that will not release gasses.  Ask your local professional frame shop for archival solutions.

2.  Keep photographs under glass, and separate them from the glass with a mat.  Always keep photographs away from direct sunlight or bright lights.  Protect your photographs from high or widely fluctuating humidity and temperature.

13 x 19

12 x 18

8 x 10

11 x 14

12 x 16

16 x 20

5 x 7

A quality frame store is one of your best allies in home decor.

Here are some things to look for:

1.  Someone who says, “I can do that.”  If they don’t have what you ask for, they should be prepared to get it for you without hesitation.  If you want a rare feature they should still be happy to research it and get back to you.  If they don’t appear willing to take the trouble to meet you needs, keep moving.

2.  The store should be ready to show you their samples and work their samples books, catalogs, and calculators to give you a written estimate.  Iffy descriptions and vague prices are a sure sign you should go somewhere else.

3.  Allow 1-2 weeks for the shop to get in special order mats, and perhaps twice as long for unique frames.  Make sure, however, to request that the shop inquire with their vendors on delivery time and call you back with a tentative date for you to return to look at the materials.  Don’t let them leave it open-ended.

4.  Are they eager to show you their wares because they want to make a sale, or because they love what they do and want you to be happy?  Only work with someone who is excited about what they do!  A love for their craft makes all the difference—for your experience in working with them, and for the final result.

Mats are essential elements in creating a beautiful art display. Double or triple mats in the right choice of colors and materials, carefully matched to the prints and frames, will extend the beauty of the art right into your space.

If you’re not sure how to make the best selection for your project, send us an email and we’ll do our best to help.

MODERN

Style:  Young, High-Tech

Photo size:  5 x 7

Mat:  Single white 11 x 14

Frame:  Brushed metallic slim 11 x 14

Key features:  Clean and uncluttered.  Single, oversized mat.

Minimalist, slim frame.

SOPHISTICATED V. 1

Style:  Cottage, Prairie, Asian

Photo:  8 x 10

Mat 1:  Warm green inside 11 x 14

Mat 2:  White outside 11 x 14

Frame:  Matte gold simple 11 x 14

Key features:  Mats in two tones add complexity and color.  Adds depth and texture without being stuffy.

This style is equally suitable for a larger print, such as an 11 x 14 photo in 16 x 20 mats and frame.

■  If you would like a modern look that goes with clean lines and high-tech equipment, see Example 1 below.

■  For a sophisticated look to go with a modern, Asian, cottage, or Prairie style decor, see Examples 2 and 3.  

■  Classic styles such as Georgian, Southern, and English manor house call for a traditional, molded frame with     textured and colored double mats.  See Example 4.

SOPHISTICATED V. 2

Style:  Cottage, Prairie, Asian

Photo:  8 x 10

Mat 1:  Cool green inside 11 x 14

Mat 2:  Pale warm pink outside 11 x 14

Frame:  Textured/marbled cool green simple 11 x 14

Key features:  Mats in two tones add complexity and color.  Adds depth and texture without being stuffy.  Eye-catching frame.

This style is equally suitable for a larger print, such as an 11 x 14 photo in 16 x 20 mats and frame.

TRADITIONAL

Style:  Georgian, Southern, English manor house

Photo:  11 x 14

Mat 1:  Pale rose gold inside 16 x 20 (matte color or satin metallic finish)

Mat 2:  White or off-white linen or canvas outside 16 x 20

Frame:  Rose gold satin metallic finish molded 16 x 20

Key features:  Classy.  Goes just as well with shabby  chic as with more formal elegance.  

Options:  

Dress it up with a heavier, more ornate frame for greater presence in a formal space.  For example, in a man’s study or office, use a beige linen and dark wood combination and rich colors on the accent mats.  In a French Country space, however, select a baroque but feminine frame with mats in soft or dusty tones.

Our products are printed using 8-color archival quality inks expected to last 100-200 years under normal conditions.  For maximum longevity, select archival photo paper, and frame your photographs using archival mats.

All our photographs are printed using archival ink on high quality papers with excellent longevity.  Our glossy paper is expected to last at least 200 years when framed using UV protected glass and when kept in a safe environment.  The stunning luster paper is suitable for gallery exhibits; this bright white paper has a sparkling finish. Our choice of pearl paper is made from natural white cotton rag for a classic photo finish and lasting beauty.

Mats protect photographs from contact with the glass, and give art the visual impact it deserves.  We recommend mats made from archival board.  All quality frame stores will have pre-cut archival mats in stock, or can cut them for you on short notice.  Depending on the interior design style, we often recommend double or triple mats for greater depth and presence.

We offer white archival single and double mats with your order of prints (special order, please allow 7-10 days for delivery).  Mat for 8 x 10 photograph, $15.00.

Use this chart to select the right size mats and frames for your prints.  

Example 1:  For an 8 x 10 print, choose a mat with an opening for that size and outer dimensions of 11 x 14, and an 11 x 14 frame.

Example 2:  For an 11 x 14 print, choose a mat with an opening for that size and outer dimensions of 16 x 20, and a 16 x 20 frame.