Framing

[jpperry]

Hello all, I had a few questions about framing; I didn't see a good section to put this thread so I put it here. I have a few photographs that I would like to frame and I have never framed any before; they are two pictures of waterfalls/streams and one of a city scape/bridges/river at night that is overall a darker photograph. My questions is how do you all select mat board colors to compliment your photos and are there any good online sites to order frames that you would recommend. Also, what type of frames (wallhung) usually work/look best with photography. My pictures are 8 x 12's. I don't have a scanner otherwise I would upload them. Any feedback/advice would be great.

[another view]

You might not find a pre-cut 8x12 mat but any framing shop can cut one for you. I'm pretty set on white mat and matte black metal frames; gallery style - but a lot of people use colored mats and different types of frames.

For an 8x12, I'd put it in a 14x18 frame which works out to a 3" border all the way around the print. I'd move it up just a bit from the bottom so the top is 2-3/4" and the bottom is 3-1/4" which tends to look more centered visually (even though it's not). This border size is up to you, but I think it looks good.

Photo John turned me on to American Frame which is where I get standard profile Neilsen metal frames when I need them. There is a larger profile I use on bigger prints like 16x24 in a 22x32 frame.