What frame size for 15 x 15 pictures?

[Pasto]

I'm getting ready for a show in a gallery and am wondering about a frame size for 15 x 15 inch prints. I have always printed 10 x 10 in rectangular 16 x 20 frames. I typically optically center the picture. Now I want to move up one size in paper. I use the Optical Print Centering website to help me previsualize this. To me, it looks like I need to have top and sides equal at the larger print dimensions. Also, the top and side borders look a little small (2.5 inches). The bottom is 6.5 inches. Any suggestions would be welcome. Is the propsed framing adequate, or do I really need to consider moving up one more step in frame size?

 

[removed account4]

hi luigi

it seems that you might need to go to something even larger ..
things tend to look best when the edge of the frame doesn't crowd the image ...

congratulations on your show !
john

 

[DWThomas]

Not sure I totally follow this; you won't be able to reasonably put a 15x15 in a 16x20 frame (assuming all dimensions are the same units). I might be inclined to go about 22 x 22 with a square frame or maybe 22 x 24 with the 24 vertical and the print optically centered for a little "weight" on the bottom.

 

[Vaughn]

I have mounted a lot of 15x15 on 20x24, and it works okay. The next standard size up, 22x28, is nicer, but I find it a bit long for the width. For 16x20 I prefer 24x28 -- might be over-kill for 15x15, but then again, it might give the images a nice formal presentation with 4.5" sides, 5" (or 5.5") top and 8" (or 7.5") bottom.

Take a look again at how you would center on the mat -- consider having more space on top than on the sides. I think that works fine for square images on vertical rectangles.

 

[DWThomas]

... The next standard size up, 22x28, is nicer, but I find it a bit long for the width. ...

Hmm, yes, I usually buy sectional stuff and you can typically get anything you want -- when I said 22 x 24, I wasn't thinking pre-made frames.

 

[Pasto]

Thank you John.

I just had a look at 15x15 print in a 24x28 frame, it looks very nice. The 4.5 inch side borders are much better than 2.5 (which make the print look squeezed in). Also, at this frame dimension optically centered does look better than equal top and sides. The 24x28 frame is over 8 feet of frame though! The 22 x 24 looks OK as well. I think I'll buy the Neilsen frames wholesale and cut my own this time.....

Thanks for your help with this.

 

[Ian Grant]

I'd almost go for 30x24 the 30" vertical, but that's quite large frames I do use a few for my own exhibitions. I guess a touch smaller is better for you 20x25 or 22x27.7 are the same ratios but either would be custom frames

Ian

 

[Pasto]

Oh, should have asked before. Anyone cut their own metal frames? Is an electric mitter saw with appropriate blade good enough?

 

[Jon Shiu]

I've used 24x24 for 15x15 size print and it looked fine. I think 20x20 might also be fine.

Jon

 

[Ian Grant]

Most framing suppliers can cut the extrusion so cheaply and quickly it's not usually worth doing it yourself.

Ian

 

[TSSPro]

Just like creating the image itself, I've always been taught that how you display your image needs to have the same amount of forethought. Its good that you are figuring that out.

Squares are very stable and can lend a sense of stillness and stasis to the subject matter. If that is an important factor in your work you may want a square frame. I have seen it become popular with a lot of shows I've gone to where the photographs are framed to edge. Not in line with my personal taste, but if that is what the image dictates, go for it. Adding weight around an image isolates it, and keeps the viewer from being distracted by things competing for the viewer's eye around the image. It also presents the image as a whole, meaning that there isnt anything that the artist "covered up" by the frame, if they decided to frame to edge.

Lots of things to think about. I'm not sure about the shipping, but I have used an art supply company, dick blick (dickblick.com) to order custom frames of all sizes. They are relatively inexpensive and have good customer service.

I hope that your show goes well.

 

[Vaughn]

Hmm, yes, I usually buy sectional stuff and you can typically get anything you want -- when I said 22 x 24, I wasn't thinking pre-made frames.

And I tend to go with basic black painted wood frames, so I tend not to think immediately of "non-standard" sizes.

But I do have a large stash of white metal frame pieces (Nielson profile #11 it looks like -- no sizes I normally use, nor the color). I'll have to inventory the pieces and take them to a frame shop and have them re-cut for me (thanks Ian -- I have been trying to figure how to cut them myself). Perhaps I'll spray paint them a nice semi-gloss black.

I have mounted a lot of 16x20 (image usually 15x19) on 20x24 -- why? Because one can get two 20x24 sheets out of a 32x40 sheet of matboard, an important cost-factor as a student and soon after. But in the long term, a big mistake -- the 2 inch borders is not enough.

 

[fdi]

Cutting frames yourself is not too bad but it does require a high quality carbide tip blade, mitre saw, and saw cutting surface extensions (to support the length of the moulding). Nielsen moulding comes in 10 foot length which can be a hassle to transport or ship.

Bringing the pieces you have to a custom frame shop can work but keep in mind they make most of their money on resale of the components used to make the frames.

You can also consider online frame wholesalers like my company and others. Just google Nielsen metal frames or Nielsen frames. My company has over 60 frame sizes and we also do custom to any size you need.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Trask]

"Optical Print Centering website" -- what's the URL?

 

[DWThomas]

Russell Cottrell website

 

[Pasto]

Thanks To all once again. Mark, I've had a look at your webiste and like your products very much. Unfortunately, you appear not to ship to Canada

 

[fdi]

We do not have automated systems in place for shipping to Canada but if you place the items you are interested in purchasing in our shopping cart and then make a copy and email us we can give you a shipping quote to see if it makes sense for you.

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks To all once again. Mark, I've had a look at your webiste and like your products very much. Unfortunately, you appear not to ship to Canada

 

[Pasto]

Thanks Mark. I will do that.