Once you’ve executed and mastered making digital prints, it’s time to think about displaying them for the entire world to see. There are several things to consider when deciding on how to display the digital photo prints. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular options.
Mounting
There are various ways to mount your digital prints, which is a means to extend their life-expectancy and increase their durability. Mounting usually means attaching the photographic print to a foam-core backing that increases the stability of the photo, so you can frame it or place it on a wall without a frame. There is also the float-mounting technique, in which the piece of art is hinge the photo to a foamboard that is at least 1 inch smaller at the edges of the photo. This pedestal of foamboard is then attached to a neutral or decorative backing that is at least 2 to 3 inches larger at all the edges of the photo. The pedestal raises the photo from the backing, such that it appears as if the photo is “float” in space, behind the framed glass. No matte or other type of border is necessary and you have a striking display method. It’s important to note that a professional should do the mounting.
Framing and Matting
To elevate your digital prints from mere snapshots to works of art that you can proudly show off, you need to think about your photo as if it were a piece of art. The proper presentation can and will do so many things to elevate the way the photograph is viewed. When it comes to framing a photograph, one doesn’t want to get an everyday frame that will hold a photo of Mom & Dad. No, one needs to get a wooden or metal frame that is maybe 2 to 5 times larger that the photo (i.e. if you have a 4x6 photo, you want a frame that is maybe 8x10) and have the photo surrounded by a mat (a piece of blank, neutral-colored material that forces the viewer’s eye to the photograph and enhances the impressionistic nature of the photograph) that eats up the majority of the real estate of what’s being framed.
The mat’s cut-out, which is usually a beveled-cut, will extend to the print’s border. Then adhesive is used to attach the print to the backside of the mat, and then the mat is fitted to the frame. Photo framing is usually different from when you’re framing a painting or a poster, where the image is flush with the edge of the frame. Of course you can do this with your photographs, too, but they won’t have the added artistic touch that the mat creates - a photographic island.
Displaying
Displaying your digital prints is something that you shouldn’t do without some thought. The presentation and complimentary light source has an affect on how the photo will be viewed (and appreciated) and also on the print’s life expectancy. Sunlight can and will damage your prints and mats, causing the colors to fade and the glossy sheen to deteriorate over time. Some people consult with an interior designer and select dedicated lighting fixtures for the photos on their walls. This ensures that the color, vibrancy and dynamic range are at their optimal for viewing. Nothing mars a photographic viewing experience like dull lighting.
Storing
All photographs have a permanence value, and that has a lot to do with how you store the prints… you might think, “why not store them on my computer’s hard drive?” Because your hard drive could crash; so back it up to CD, DVD or some other type of storage media. And if you’re in the habit of making digital prints, you’ll want them to last as long as possible. Things to consider when storing your photographic print are: Is it displayed in the direct path of harmful UV sunrays? In humid conditions, or in arid environments? What kind of light source is used? A cool, dry place for display is ideal. Photos should be framed behind glass, and illuminated with soft, diffused lighting.
Conclusion
There are some basic dos and don’ts that you should be aware of when mounting and framing. One should never let the print touch the glass, because you might transfer trace amounts oils or water to the glass surface that can cause reflections and the glass is no longer considered archival. Two, always use acid-free materials, because this increases the longevity of the print and slows down the natural deterioration process that is inherent with many paper products as they age. Three, you want your prints to be completely dry before framing, because the paper shrinks as it dries, causing the framing and mounting to be off. Additionally, when the print isn’t completely dry the inks might run and smear if they touch anything during the mounting and framing process. Finally, any humidity trapped behind the glass could cause water spotting on the glass.
