Film edges included in prints

[Monophoto]

A thin black border around a high key image can effectively separate it from a white mount. I don't mind that, and in fact I sometimes "simulate" the effect by applying black "map tape" at the very edge of the mounted image.

But to print in the image frame including sprocket holes and the manufacturer's imprint on the rebate is pretentious schlock.

And to add that using an overlay - whether using film or PS - is sheer fakery.

 

[jss]

i posted a transcript of my interaction with the photographer here:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[rjas]

I use black borders all the time when I've got an image without detail in a large area on the edge of the photo - most likely the sky. I don't matt most of my prints so they look better this way. otherwise it feels really weird looking at it. Sloppy borders on the other hand, I find rarely work. It seems a lot of new photographers will use them because they look so cool but then grow out of it. I can't really think of many prints in which I've made where sloppy borders have helped.
Two days ago I made a print without any border of any kind and I don't plan to matt it either. I use whatever works...

 

[jss]

i jst had to post this as soon as i saw it. it's a promotional ad for a bollywood movie. i saw the border and thought to myself.. WHAT.

Dead Link Removed

 

[jstraw]

i jst had to post this as soon as i saw it. it's a promotional ad for a bollywood movie. i saw the border and thought to myself.. WHAT.

Dead Link Removed

Gotta get me a camera that can do that!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yeah, that's the Deardorff 5x12" with the 6x7cm sliding masks. It's great when you can get all the stars of the film on the same sheet in different settings and lighting conditions.

 

[jstraw]

It's the silliest thing I've seen in a while...why on earth would anyone bother to *do* that?

 

[Sanjay Sen]

Aaahhh, Bollywood! You have to know what goes on there to know why they did this!

 

[walter23]

I was just curious to see what others think about this trend and do you use this in some of your prints.

Regards,
John

I did it when I first got into shooting large format (just a few months ago) but quickly realized that it was a crutch - a way to make a mediocre photograph more interesting by making its origins more prominent. I've stopped including the film borders except in rare cases.

 

[Kirk Keyes]

I've stopped including the film borders except in rare cases.

Like for the ones that limp a little?