I was doing a bit of searching and came across a great article in the May 2002 issue of Real Simple Magazine titled "Easy Ways to Display Your Photos". I love this magazine for several reasons. One, I love the clean layout. Two, I love the tips on getting organized, though they don't get put to use very much around here. And, three, it's got a mix of pretty much everything I want to read about. If you haven't picked up a copy in a while, I highly recommend it.
On to the topic at hand...
The article is called "Easy Ways to Display Your Photos" and I thought many of you might be interested in it. It, not only, has how-to's but where-to-buy's as well. I thought that was nice. I have copied a portion of the article below but feel free to go to the Real Simple website and check it out in it's entirety.
I should mention the photos of these displays were taken by Frances Janisch for Real Simple. (The photos below the article are ones we took here at Studio193 Photography.)
Frame Your Family History
How to Frame
Generations of family photos make a cohesive whole when hung in identical black frames with crisp white mats. For a timeless, sophisticated look, convert color pictures to black and white. Here, eight sizes of frames are mixed. Burnes Primary Black frames, from 3 1/2 by 5 inches to 8 by 12 inches, $6.50 to $13; North American Regal frames, from 8 by 10 inches to 12 by 36 inches, $11.50 to $23.50; custom-cut acid-free four-ply rag mats in white, $10 to $15 each. All available from A.I. Friedman, 212-243-9000.
How to Arrange
A large collection of photos looks best grouped tightly — no more than an inch or two apart — in a rough square or rectangle.
Tip: Photo labs can enlarge, reduce, and convert color photos to black and white using either the negative (which will produce a higher-quality picture) or the print. You can manipulate photos yourself using a color photocopier. Just remember not to copy any professional images without the written consent of the photographer.
Frame a Timeline of a Child's Growth
How to Frame
Light-color frames and generous white mats make color photos more artful (and work well with black and white, too). Choose three sizes, then vary the openings cut into the mats to create visual interest. Spectrum Series frames in natural, 8 by 10 inches, $10; 11 by 14 inches, $14; 16 by 20 inches, $18: MTS Frames; 800-242-7173 for store locations. Custom-cut acid-free four-ply rag mats in white, about $10 to $15 each at frame shops.
How to Arrange
Prop photos on shelves in a breakfast area, with baby photos on the top shelf, working your way down to the present. Lack shelves (43 1/4 inches long), $13 each, Ikea, 800-434-4532.
Tip: It's wiser to frame copies, rather than originals, of photos for which you don't have negatives. Just remember not to copy any professional images without the written consent of the photographer.
Frame Baby Pictures
How to Frame
Gather baby pictures of every family member — from newborns to Great-Grandmother. Choose three to four frame sizes in the same style and color, then mix two colors of mats. Simplicity Collection frames in gray, from 5 by 7 inches to 12 by 12 inches, $11 to $22: MTS Frames; 800-242-7173 for store locations. Custom-cut acid-free four-ply rag mats in white and gray, about $10 to $12 each at frame shops.
How to Arrange
Butt the frames together. Start hanging from the left. With a level, check that the first is straight, then work toward the right.
Frame Vintage Photos
How to Frame
To underscore the antique feeling, pair old photos with mirrors from a bygone era. Flea markets and second-hand shops are good sources for old mirrors and frames. Bright white mats heighten the yellowish tinge many old photos have; instead, opt for a pale color, like the taupe used here. Custom-cut acid-free four-ply rag mats, about $10 to $18 at frame shops.
How to Arrange
Loop a piece of 3/4-inch-wide ribbon through the hanger on the back of the frame, then drape it over the mirror to create a V shape. Attach the two ends to the back of the mirror with duct tape. You can also tie the two ends of the ribbon together and hang the frame from a small nail in the wall.
Tip: Always keep photos — framed and unframed — away from direct sunlight and florescent lights, which will cause fading. If you opt for custom framing, you can specify UV acrylic glazing, which filters harmful rays more effectively than glass.
Well, that is it. From here on...it's me!
I will chat a moment about the "Frame Vintage Photos" section. Just remember, they don't have to be vintage to frame them in a vintage way. As a matter of fact, I think it is very contemporary to mix vintage materials with modern-day techniques. So don't be afraid to experiment a bit. I really love how they mixed in old mirrors and hung the photos on top of them. I am definitely going to do this one myself. I have a thing for old mirrors. I love the patina.
Hopefully this article will help you pull things together as you are planning your family gallery wall. Remember I have put several posts up in the "Photography Display Ideas" section of this blog. So check them out if you feel like you need more help. I will be adding more articles soon so stay tuned.
Today's pictures are of one of the cutest little girls. She was very sweet, quiet and contemplative and I think her photos really show that.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!.
Comments