Advice, suggestions, opinions

[mn shutterbug]

I just received this print in the mail. It is 8" X 45". I'm looking for advice for framing and matting. The longest glass I can get is 52" long. This gives me 3 1/2" each side. Here is my idea. I'm considering a 1 1/4" wide wood frame with a 2 1/2" mat. I'm not sure if dark or mid tone wood, would look best. I'm also not sure about the color of mat. This is going to be for sale, so I'm kind of leaning towards white or off white mat, which would go with anything. However, I'm open to others' ideas, and really welcome them. Thanks in advance.

[mjs1973]

Hey Mike. When it comes to selling images, I think the best thing is to keep the frame and matte pretty simple. I like to stick with white, or slightly off white mattes. I do have a couple of images I framed in ivory, and I really don't like them when I see them next to a snowflake white matte. Sometimes I will use a white matte with a black core to help set the photo off a little bit. You could also pick up a color from the image to use as a core for the matte. I also like the look of a double white matte. Of course this is all personal preference.

I also think a midtown wood like oak, would set the image off better than something darker like walnut. For me, the image has a lighter feel to it and I think a darker frame would make the entire image look darker. It's kind of hard to say without actually seeing it though.

One thing you may want to experiment with if you haven't already is to mock up the image at www.framesbymail.com. I have done that in the past. Upload your image like you are going to have them print it, then select a matte, and frame and you can see what it's going to look like. It should give you a pretty good visual of what your finished image will look like.

[Singletracklovr]

Stunning photo Mike,
If I purchased this, I would want a white border and simple black 2" frame.
The black and white would compliment the birds colors.

As for a wood frame, I would try to match the yellow of the beak and feet. Light oak, or lite-stained pine.

just my $0.02

[SARtech]

My preference would be a white matt matching the white in the Eagle, and a grey colored frame matching the mid-grey in the Eagle. (I don't like wood frames) Normally, I would go with a simple black frame but because of the length of this one I'm afraid it would close it in too much.