If you were given a good camera for Christmas, or you've been meaning to do more with your photography, now is the time. You can brush up on your skills with the guides on our blog.
If you already have photos you're proud of, get some printed and framed. Not every shot deserves a place on the wall, but there is something special about framing your own work, particularly when it captures a memory. And you don't have to frame your own photos: support a local photographer, or order a print of a favourite vintage shot.
There are no hard and fast rules, but these pointers will help.
Research your options
It's tempting to buy the first well-priced frame you see. To do your photograph justice, look at what's available first.
- A ready-made frame. The cheapest and quickest option. The downside is that cheap frames tend to look amateur, and the photograph may not fit properly.
- A framing shop. Your photograph is measured and fitted by a professional and the finish looks expensive. It usually is expensive, and it can take a long time, which is no good if you have a birthday to meet.
- A custom frame online. With EasyFrame you tailor the frame and mount to the exact size of your photograph. Our frames come with acrylic glazing, which helps to prevent UV damage, and are dispatched within three days, at a price between the other two.
Choose a frame that complements the image
A frame's own appeal counts for little unless it suits the picture. Novelty frames can be fun, but don't let them overshadow a special shot.
Photographs usually work best in simple frames that are fairly narrow and flat. White, black or natural wood will go with any colours in the photograph, and an understated metallic finish can also work. A little texture, such as subtle bevelling, can look good with the right image, especially one with texture of its own. Don't overdo it.
Ornate gilded or carved frames rarely suit photographs because they draw attention away from the image. In the end the decision is yours, so take your time and weigh up the styles before you choose.
Don't forget the mount
The mount is in many ways the most important part, yet people new to framing often overlook it. The right mount can turn a photograph into a work of art.
Two things matter most: correct sizing and depth. Colour matters too, but you will usually want a shade of white or cream.
- Sizing. Have the exact dimensions of your photograph to hand, and remember that the very edges will be covered. Our mounts are designed to overlap the image by a few millimetres on each side.
- Depth. A thicker mount gives a deeper opening with more distinct bevels, which is more striking. A thinner mount is more subtle. We supply two depths: 1.5mm and 2mm.
Don't automatically go for glass
You might assume glass is the best glazing. In fact premium acrylic lets more light through and gives better UV protection than glass, and it is safer because it is less likely to break.
We supply acrylic glazing as standard, in three types, including an anti-reflective one that is ideal for frames hung under bright lights.
Take your time with the hanging
After choosing the frame and mount with care, give the same attention to where it goes. Think about light and heat sources, and pick a part of the room that isn't already busy. Have your hanging equipment ready, and ask someone to stand back and check that everything is straight.
Lastly, don't forget to dust.