Studio193 Photography Blog

Frame It On A Budget...display ideas for your photos

Well, I have been on a mission lately. I have been wanting to create my own display wall. I've done this for myself before and I help clients plan their displays all the time. But it's been a while since I have done it for myself.

I decided to give myself an added challenge...to do it on a REALLY tight budget. I will say that most of our clients have no interest in going on a hunt for frames, mats and try to decide on colors and so on and so on. Most people are either too intimidated or just too darn busy to tackle such a project. 

But, there are those who need to create a photo display on a budget or, like me, just LOVE the thrill of the hunt. So, my mission is to create an awesome display on a budget. I haven't set myself a dollar amount yet. I just thought I would go out there and see what I could find. I have already found 5 frames that I love. Bill is unconvinced, and you'll see why when I post the photos. But, I told him to trust me and let's just see how it turns out.

I'll wait to tell you more when I get Bill to shoot everything. I'll give a step-by-step on how I did it. I want you to see just how fun, easy and inexpensive it can be. 

I will give you a money-saving tip today, though. So here goes. If you are on a budget and need to buy ready-made frames off the shelf start with buying frames larger than you prints. If I know someone is planning a display and they aren't aiming for a symmetrical layout, then I advise them to purchase their prints in a variety of sizes. I usually say to start with your favorite image and make that your largest. Then, work your way down from there. It is a pretty safe bet you will have a display that is visually appealing if you choose an odd number of images. So, go for 3, 5, 7 and so on. 

Okay, back to the frames. At this point, you would already have your prints. This will give you a guideline to help you choose frames that will work best with your art. And, if you listened to my advice, you will have a variety of print sizes to work with. So, get frames in larger sizes than your prints. For instance, if you have a 5x7 print, then you might choose an 8x10, 11x14 or even a 16x20 frame. This works particularly well if you choose a print that is an odd size, like a 6x9, as you can usually never find that size frame right off the shelf. 

So, now you have your prints and your larger frames. All you need now are mats. So, head on over to your local art store (like Jerry's Artarama, Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Joanne Fabrics) with prints in hand. You may even choose to take your frames too. You will, at least, need to know your frame sizes. And, don't hesitate to take your frames in to these places, even if you didn't buy them there. It's not like you are walking in to a gallery. They don't care where your frames come from. They are mass retailers. As long as you buy something from them, they are happy. (I know this first-hand because I had some mats cut for my project at Hobby Lobby. I brought the frames with me and they didn't even give it a second thought. They just gladly cut the mats of my choice and I was on my way.)

Where was I...

Oh, so, take your prints and your frames and dig around in their pre-cut mats first. You just might get lucky and find exactly what you need. As a matter of fact, Jerry's Artarama has Nielsen Bainbridge, museum-quality, 8-ply cotton rag mats in a variety of sizes from about $10-$15 dollars each. I price-compared this to Jerry's 8-ply mats that I had them cut. HUGE difference in price. It was $42 and if I wanted to leave with it that day, you up that price to the mid-$50's. So, if you can find a pre-cut mat you like, go for it. As always, just make certain you choose archival quality.

If you have exhausted the pre-cut mats and have to get one cut, don't worry. If you are okay with a simple 4-ply mat, it will cost you a lot less that the 6 or 8 ply. So, consider that. 

Now you're finished. All you have to do is go home and put it all together. Well, you may want to pick up a few other supplies. Like, backing paper to keep the dust out. Hanging hardware to hang it all with. (I HIGHLY suggest you check out the Hercules Hooks I have suggested in the past. You can pick up a pack of 20 at Linens N Things, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target for about $10.00. And you don't even need a hammer! Super easy!) You may need to dig through hubby's tool box (though I have my very own as I LOVE doing stuff like this) for a tape measure, level and even a good old hammer and nails. 

If you need any ideas on where to get ready-made frames in a variety of sizes and colors try these places. 

Target

Hobby Lobby (they have 50% frequently so you can get frames for a song)

Pottery Barn

Jerry's Artarama (located in the Bearden area of Knoxville)

Michael's

So, I will now give you a couple of shots of displays that inspire me and are currently the inspiration for my "frame-it-on-a-budget" project. I love these!

Photographed by Annie Schlechter for Domino Magazine, May, 2006

Photographed by Francesco Lagnese for Domino Magazine, Aug. 2007

Photographed by Simon Upton for Domino Magazine, June 2006

Visit dominomag to see these displays and more. 

I think the first display is my favorite. I adore the mixed frames, the fact that some pieces are matted and others aren't and the relationship the display has with the desk and it's accessories. It's very eclectic and I LOVE it!

The second display is a little cleaner and neater than the first and third. I think I like it because they mixed the frames and they mixed the colors of the photos. Also, notice how a large mat makes even small images feel more important. 

The third image has some large pieces. I love that it goes floor to ceiling. I, of course, love the mixed frames. This display reminds me of a New York city apartment. It is an organized clutter that looks well-traveled and eclectic. I have a friend in NYC who has a fabulous apartment at 93rd and Riverside. She was a ballet dancer with the American Ballet Company and she has such a mix of prints on her walls. It reminds me of this. Her photos of her on stage and her ballet company performing in all these other countries...well...it's just wonderful. I found myself studying even her "snap shots" that were simply tacked up with pins. It was like she was sharing bits of her life through her pictures. 

So, give your guests a "sneak peek" into your life and put those photos out and on the walls. You'll love looking at them every day and they can be a great conversation starter at your next gathering. 

Don't forget to check out the link, Photography Display Ideas for more ideas on displaying your family photos.

Today's picture is of another little baby. It seems we've had a lot of those lately. And I love it! And I love this little guy! He was so laid back. Can't you tell?!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by. More later!

Displaying Photographs from British Homes and Gardens

Well, it's been a month of Sundays since I've written (In case you weren't aware, that's the way we say, "it's been a while", here in Tennessee). I've gotten lots of requests to post so I am finally doing it.

You know how it is when you haven't called your mom in a while. You feel guilty. You think..."I'll call her today!". Then, your day is crazy and you forget until 1:00 a.m.! The next day you start the cycle all over again. By now, weeks have passed. You are guilt-ridden and you know you are going to "hear" about it when you finally do call. So, you put it off some more. Just hearing the old..."I was wondering when you were going to call" is like fingernails on a chalkboard. So, between the guilt and the lecture, calling seems to get further and further down on my list. Eventually, I call and face the music. I tell her how sorry I am and how much I have missed her and thought about her. She doesn't try to make it any easier. The first thing she says is (yep, you guessed it), "I was wondering when you were going to call". Then she proceeds to tell me how much my sister calls and how I used to promise to her when I was a little girl that I was going to build her a house right beside me when I grew up so we could live close together forever.

I want to tell her she should never believe a promise a 4 year old tells you.

For example...

"I promise I'll clean my room every day for the next year if you get me this toy" (actually, for me it was shoes but that's another story altogether).

"I promise I will practice every day if you just let me take piano lessons" (even though they were on Saturday mornings and everyone knows that's the ultimate cartoon morning!)

"I promise I'll take care of it if you just get me a puppy!" (I don't think I need to expand on this one, do I?)

But, I don't say any of that. I just keep it on the inside. I apologize in my guilt-ridden state, get off the phone and PROMISE myself I will call every week from now on.

I kind of feel like that about not posting in so long. I think the phone calls with my mother have instilled some kind of weird guilt thing and I have projected that on this blog! So, I am vowing, from this day forward to post more regularly! And, I'm not 4 anymore so, it should stick!

I was flipping through another of my very cool British magazines, Homes and Gardens, and found a great article on "Displaying Photographs". So, I thought that would be the perfect post, since you seem to like them so much. It's my gift to you for not saying, "I was wondering when you were going to post." (Though, you may be saying that, I can't hear it so that's okay with me!")

In this shot, it looks like they have displayed color, unframed canvas prints. I know for some of you this might be a bit contemporary, but personally, I love it! I am so in love with white walls, vintage furniture and bright art work and accessories. So, this one is my cup-o-tea.

Here they have some tabletop display prints. These work great in 4x6, 5x7, 5x5 and 8x10 sizes. Displaying prints in this way is very versatile as you can move them from room to room to change things up a bit. I also suggest my clients rotate these out. Meaning, keep more current pictures displayed (unless they are your very favorites). This allows you to constantly change the scenery on your tabletops. It gives you something new to look at. And, just by their nature, they are easy to change out. Typically, they aren't professionally framed, so it is easy to get a new look with some new favorite photos in minutes.

Another thing I like on this page is they have done a grid of images on the wall, the photos are all different sizes but the grid is a perfect rectangle. So, for those of you who have tons of photo in many sizes and really want a more symmetrical display this might be the ticket for you. The look is unified by using all black and white images, keeping your mats and frames the same.

Here are more tabletop photos. I love to cluster things together, creating a collection. Just do as they've done here and keep you larger prints in the back and stagger the sizes as you go forward. That way, from afar, you get a little glimpse of each photo and upon closer inspection, you can see every photo clearly.

They have also created a collage of photos (top right). These look to be about postage stamp sized but this can be done with 4x6's as well. Or even a collection of wallets could be neat. Just vary the orientation, like they've done here to keep it interesting.

Then they have all white frames and all white mats with a mix of black and white photos and color (Bottom left). I love this (as you know, I'm into the white thing right now). I love how the display draws your eye up (Remember the stair-step thing I was talking about in a previous post...this goes from sofa to lamp to display). This is such a great way to bring height here.

The little photo next to this display is a little hard to see on screen. But, it is a table that has photos and momentos under a glass top. This is another great way to get variety. This can be changed out often to get a whole new look.

I really like the idea of the last photo on this page. It is a map of Paris with two photos mounted on top of the city. I love this idea. You could do the same with your child's photos. What about doing a map of where you went on vacation, and then mount a couple of vacation photos on top that you love. I think this is a really fun idea. And it is so different, it is sure to get attention from your guests.

Here is the last page of the article. They show some very pretty albums, which you could put your photos in, another tabletop display and a wall display that is done in an entirely different way. Bumping the framed photos right up to each other is a great way to get more photos in a smaller area. I have to admit...this isn't my favorite but I have seen this really work, like, going up a stairway. So, don't be afraid to play around with this. If you have limited wall space but want your family photos displayed, this could be right for you.

Lastly, they have a large unframed canvas propped on a shelf. I love this. Though, I might not do it over a stove, like they have here. But I do like that they put a large photo in the kitchen. It is unexpected, and I like that. I like photos in bathrooms too. I think we are all "trained" to have photos displayed in the usual places, bedrooms, family rooms, hallways and stairways. But, I think we should branch out a bit. Why not?! It's our home. Let's make it what we want!

Well I hope these ideas will inspire you to go out and hang some art! Now, here is one of the cutest little babies!

More later! Thanks for stopping by!

Creating a gallery display with your family photos

It's been a bit since I posted about displaying your family photos. So, I thought I would share a few of my favorite display ideas straight from Domino Magazine. Domino is my favorite magazine here in the States, followed by Real Simple as a close second. For those of you who are unfamiliar, you must check it out. It is a shopping magazine for the home that features all the latest and greatest items to make your home unique.

It is a great inspiration if you are about to start a decorating project. Even if you hire a designer, most will tell you..."pull some pages of rooms you love". From choosing a paint color, to picking out the best sofa for your room to...well...planning a gallery wall with your photographic art, it's all here.

Creating an asymmetrical display

I'll start with my absolute favorite gallery display in this post. I love the light frames, white mats and mix of color, black and white and sepia images. I like that the display goes almost from floor to ceiling. Notice how it anchors the space behind the chair and lamp. Imagine this space without this gallery. It would be very lifeless and drab. They have mixed up the frames, though kept them in the same color range. They have a mix of both horizontal and vertical images and have made it really work with the varied mat sizes.

I tell my clients all the time..."don't worry so much about choosing all the images vertical or horizontal...don't try to match everything". I always recommend choosing the images you love first. Then, to make those work in your space, simply buy a variety of frames in different sizes and have your mats cut to fit your frames and photos. If I had to guess, I would say this gallery has 11x14's, 8x10's and 5x7's.

Sometimes, clients are concerned about putting up too many images. This display has at least ten. And it only takes up a small corner of a room. I am not suggesting floor to ceiling pictures in every room. But, I feel they got it just right here. Don't you think it works beautifully to tie all these pieces together? If you have a chair sitting all by it's lonesome in a corner, why not turn that space into a mini gallery of your favorite family images?


photo by Justin Bernhaut for Domino Magazine Dec. 06 Issue


The next two displays I'd like to show you are along the same lines as the one above, just on a much smaller scale. So, if you don't have a space large enough for ten images, you might consider these two options.

This first one is very clean and simple. It just has three images, two of which are framed together in the same frame. I often recommend grouping images in the same frame to create a story. Sometimes one photo alone, just doesn't do it. I like to do this if you have two or three images of the same scene of your child but with different expressions. This is a perfect way to get all those cute faces they make. Frame them together to keep it from looking like you got the same image twice, as images shot so closely together can look very similar.

Like the display above, the images are hung in an asymmetrical arrangement. The frames are different but similar in color and style. I love the large mat on the larger image. This is the perfect example of...choose your favorite image, choose your favorite frame, then get a mat cut to fit them both. It works beautifully. The arrangement is nice because it creates a stair-step down from the large mirror, which unifies the space. Without this small display, the table would feel a bit like it's floating.


photo by Justin Bernhaut for Domino Magazine May 07 Issue


The next one is in a similar fashion. This display does not have photos but that's okay. This will show you arrangement. To make this work with photos, just keep them monochromatic. So, either black and white or sepia. For this room, because of the rich, warm wood tones, I would choose sepia.

Again, the display is asymmetrical. All the frames are different sizes. The color of the frames isn't exactly the same but definitely work together. I would guess the larger frame is 16x20, the middle 11x14 and the smaller maybe 10x10. Again, I feel this display anchors the space where the chair and table are. Because of the height of this bookcase, the wall would feel really bare if it weren't for the art. Look closely and you can see the stair-step again. Start from the ceiling...bookcase...display...table with statue...chair...small table. If you have a tall piece of furniture or built-in like this one, stair-step your way down to the floor for a perfect arrangement. Don't you just love it?!


photo by Paul Costello for Domino Magazine Nov. 05 Issue


Creating a symmetrical display

The last display is for those of you who just can't do asymmetrical. So, you like everything lined up perfectly. I do like this too. But I will warn you...you may spend thirty days and thirty nights getting everything straight! Trust me. I've done it. But if this is the display for you, just go for it. Though it appears these images are plants, not people, that's okay. Again, we're talking arrangement for now.

You would have to do one of two things to make this work. All your images would need to be the same size and oriented the same way (all horizontal or all vertical) OR you can keep your images smaller, like 5x7's, ignore their orientation and choose a larger frame that would work with either. So, if all my images were 5x7, I would probably go for 11x14 frames. Then, just like I suggested above, have your mats cut to fit your photos and frames. I think it's quite pretty.

Keep in mind, if you do a symmetrical display like this, have identical frames and identical mat colors. I would also go with the same photo color as well. So, all black and whites, all sepias or all color. And, have enough images to "ground" your space. They have centered this display with the table and between the ceiling and chair rail. You need this many images to fill a space of this size. You can do this on a smaller scale, though. You could use 9 images and create more of a vertical display instead of the horizontal one here. But the space they were working with is wider than it is tall, so this works. Again, they've done a stair-step. It starts with the window, then the display, then the chair rail, then the table.


photo by Francois Dischinger for Domino Magazine Sept. 05 Issue


Hopefully these displays will give you some ideas of how you might like your family gallery wall to look. No matter the size of your space, you can have a gallery of your favorite images that will be perfect for your home. Good luck hanging!

Don't forget the Hercules Hooks!

Oh, about the hanging...have I mentioned one of my life-savers? Hercules Hooks! I love these things. You don't even need a hammer to hang your pictures. You just twist and press it through the wall (assuming there is no stud there) and it will hold up to 150 lbs. Can you believe it?! You can get a package of 20 for $9.95 here. That is $5.00 less than Linens and Things. However, if you can't wait I think both Linens and Things and Bed, Bath and Beyond have them.

Still want more display ideas?

I will also mention if you would like to see more display ideas for your family photos, be sure to check out the Photography Display Ideas category on this blog. I will continue to add other ideas to this so you may want to bookmark this link.

Today's image...

Today's image is of a very cute little girl. She was watching the boats sail by from her grandmothers window and Bill caught it. I just think it is a sweet, simple shot.



Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Easy Ways to Display Your Family Photos

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!.

More on, "How to display your family photos"

As I have mentioned before, I have tons of decorating magazines. Today, while I was having lunch I was flipping through one from my many stacks and came across an article on how to display your family photos and art. So, I thought I would share with you.

The magazine is one of my very favorite's from the States. It is called Domino Magazine. I love it. Just the other day I said "Domino Day" is always a great day. I have an instant smile when I look in the box and see it there!

First, I will post the article they had in the August 2007 issue named, "The way to display". I really liked it because, as you can see, they have three different ways to display your art and photos.

photo provided by Domino Magazine

The first is in a stairway and they call this a "collage" display. They have put various pieces, including paintings, sketches and photos together and framed them each uniquely. They have mixed up the sizes and, like my previous post, Family and Baby Photo Display Idea, it is informal and eclectic. I love that.

The next display (in the center) is called the "propped up" display. Obviously the photos in this display are literally "propped" against a built-in bookcase. I like this and do this myself. Not only is it the easiest thing in the world to do, (since you don't need hanging hardware) but you can move this around until you find just the right place. I have recommended this for some of our clients. I think many people think in order to display something like this, the pieces have to be smaller. However, I think this display shows it doesn't have to be. If I had to guess, I would say these prints are probably 16x20 in size. I think it makes more of an impact to have some larger pieces displayed this way.

If you have little ones and propping a picture on the floor is not an option, do it on a table or mantle. They don't have to be hanging! Just prop them up, and don't be afraid to overlap the pictures. I have done this in my home and it looks great. I call it the "lazy" way. But who cares. It looks great!

The third picture is named the "regal column". We can see why. They have lined equal sized pieces, one after another. This is perfect if you have lots of narrow walls. I have found a number of clients with older homes have this issue. They have tons of small, narrow spaces and very little wall space to spare. If this describes your home, try this display idea out. Just choose the same frame, the same mat and the same colors and image size for your photos. These are sepia and are probably 11x14 in size. This is a great way to draw the eye up and balance out other larger pieces in the room. If you hate lining up photos in a display like this, like I do, check out Pottery Barn. They have a Studio Wall Easel that will take the hassle out of lining things up.

Back to stairway displays. Here is an absolutely fabulous example.

photo provided by Domino Magazine

I can't imagine anyone not loving this display. It is beautiful! All the frames are very simple, white gallery frames. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to replicate this display, Pottery Barn has their Wood Gallery frames on sale right now. They have four different color options, including white.

I adore the very large piece in the middle. I would guess it is at least 30"x40". Though, if you don't have a piece this large, you can certainly fill in that area with other pieces like the ones above and below the large print. To get a clean look, they have kept all the frames and mats the same color. Also, all of these photos are sepia. Don't you LOVE it?!

If you want to do your own photo gallery display. Get you hubby to take the kids out for the day or send them off to grandma's and go for it! Figure out where you want your display and look at these images, or flip through magazines like Domino or even Pottery Barn catalog, for inspiration. It is not that hard. All you need are beautiful photos. And we can certainly help you out with that! Ha Ha!

Speaking of that. We are now booking for spring photo sessions. If you would like to pre-schedule, give us a call at 865.924.0608 and we'll get you on the books.

Now for today's cute photos. Here is a very cute little baby. I was inspired by the vintage looking sepia photos from the pictures above so I thought I would show you some sepia images today. Wouldn't these make the cutest trio to display together?! When you group similar images together like this, it tells a story. I love that!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Family and Baby Photo Display Idea

Hello everyone. I am excited to finally get a new post up of some display ideas for your family photos. I got lots of attention the last time I put a post about this. If you missed it see "Eclectic Wall Display" in the Photography Display Ideas section of our blog. Continue to check that link out, as I will be adding more to it all the time.

Today's idea came from an Australian magazine called Inside Out. I love it! It made me recall what I always tell my clients, "If you are hesitant to hang photos on the wall, do it in pass-through areas and nooks". I've had this concern with a few clients. They don't want their house to be floor to ceiling family photos. So, if you are one of those people, check out this display.

photo by Inside Out Magazine

Hallways, stairways and small corners with narrow wall space are perfect pass-through areas to have a family photo gallery. This way, your photos won't overwhelm your main living rooms. You actually make those blank hallways, stairways and tiny nooks feel like a room. They essentially become your very own art gallery. And, the great thing is, you get to look at your pictures every day.

This display is very small and informal. It is in a nook, which leads to a hallway. When you have an area that has space for a table, or in this case, a card catalog, it will give your display a base in which to start with. If you don't have room for a table below, don't worry. It is not necessary. With a gallery display, start at eye level and put pieces along this line as well as above and below this point, playing with the layout until you are happy with it. Just remember, don't hang your art too high. And don't line things up. Stagger your pieces to get a casual feel.

They have mixed other objects with the photos, which I love. And they have mixed sepia with a color photo. It gives the display a bit of whimsy. It looks effortless, informal and simple. I am certain it will get attention from anyone who visits.

If this look is too informal for you, keep checking back in our Photography Display Ideas area for updates. I will be putting a variety of display ideas up in the future. So, I am sure I will have something for everyone's taste.

We had record hits on the blog from my last post on Clothing ideas for your baby's spring photoshoot. These recommendations were for a specific client, however, it seems lots of people enjoyed it. So, I will post more clothing ideas for your little one's next photoshoot soon.

Today's photo is of a very pretty little girl we recently photographed. Isn't she stunning! I will be posting more of her shots soon.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Eclectic Wall Display

Today I wanted to share some display ideas I saw in the Swedish Elle Interior and UK Elle Decoration magazines. I help many of you with displays and thought you might like to see what inspires me. My taste ranges from loving clean, classic lines to an eclectic mix.

Today's displays are definitely eclectic. If I had to describe it I would say it is a mixture of a small New York City apartment (because they always look artistically cluttered), Moroccan color (because they use vibrant color for their accessories) with a whitewashed, beachy background (because the large pieces tend to be white or light). What I like about this is it looks like the pieces have a history. It looks time-worn, yet modern and purposefully unfinished. I love to walk into someone's home and see family photos and art they have picked up during their travels. It gives a home a personality. It gives a home life.

These displays may or may not be your cup of tea. However, there is still something to be learned from them. Notice that by grouping your art closely together, it becomes more of a single focal point. Over the years, our collection of family photos may range from black and white to color and are in a variety of different sizes. This can make putting them all together difficult. By placing them closely together and creating a one large focal point, you take the focus away from the fact that they don't all "match".

Also, I have been asked quite often if you can display color images with black and white. As you can see from these, the answer is "yes". But if this look is just a little too bold or messy for you, then keep your displays larger and fewer. I think a great way to get a nice look is to do 5 images together. Do three of the larger ones in black and white and do the two smaller ones in color. This way, the color doesn't overwhelm the black and white. Now, not everyone will agree with this. I am sure a lot of designers here would say to never mix your color and black and white. And I will say I think this is best done with artistic looking images. But, it can definitely be done, and done well. During ordering appointments, I have shown this to several people who loved the idea. So give it a try.

So here are the images. I should mention that all these interior images were taken by James Merrell and were in the October 2007 Elle Decoration, UK edition and the November 2007 Elle Interiors Swedish edition magazines. I found them while visiting one of my favorite sites called Decor 8. Perhaps they will inspire you as they did me.

So, are you geared up to do a display wall now? I know I am! I have tons of pictures just waiting to be hung! I think it will be easiest to lay all my prints out on the floor to decide on their layout first. Then, all I have to do is start hanging! Oh, I should mention this great little product I love. They are called the Hercules Hooks. You can get them at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They are so easy! You don't even need a hammer. I highly recommend them. Trust me, this will make your life much easier when you finally decide to tackle your gallery wall.

Now for today's photos (taken by Studio193), here is a cute little one! She's such a doll!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Color or Black and White...and so on and so on...

Hey guys. Just thought I would post a couple of things since it's been a few days. We have been slammed lately so I haven't gotten to blog as much as I would like.

Well, our post about "Color or Black and White" seemed to be a hit. Several of you emailed your "vote" and it looks like the color wins...but just barely. Most of you said you loved both. I think that's great because, honestly, it was a struggle for me too. Bill never would make up his mind so he didn't get a vote!

Because it was so popular and you seemed to like the "lesson in what makes a good black and white", I thought I would show you more. This is the same beautiful little girl. Of course, I have the color and black and white again but this time I have included a couple of additional options.

The image below is a sepia-toned image. Like a black and white, it is monochromatic, only instead of using grayscale, you use shades of brown instead. I am actually pretty picky when it comes to my sepia formula and take a bit more contemporary approach. I like it to be subtle and maintain a good tonal range. My goal is for a warm, rich, black and white.

Many people associate sepia with "vintage" but it doesn't have to be unless that is your end goal. If you have lots of warm wood tones in your home it can be a better choice than black and white. Looking at the image below it may not even appear sepia at first. But, compare it to the black and white just below that. See the difference!

So, sepia doesn't have to look "old". If your are looking for a more modern approach, frame it with a large warm white mat and a sleek gallery frame in espresso. However, if you want a bit more of a vintage look you could always choose a vintage looking frame, like our Obrien & Schridde frames.

The final option (at least in this post) is a simple vintage photo technique. I think we all have those old family snapshots. They have turned yellow over the years and have lost much of their color. Well, that is what this technique is based on, only a little "cleaner". Though it may not be for everyone, I think it is quite pretty. What do you think?

I also wanted to say we made a lot of holiday cards deliveries this week are getting phenomenal feedback! We really appreciate that. And remember, all the card designs are done by us here at Studio193, not purchased from anyone else. Because of that, there is no waiting on suppliers. Literally, when your order is submitted, your cards will be delivered within 3-5 days. I know a lot of you are "last minute" girls, like myself so don't worry about a thing!

Enough for now. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!

Color or black and white?

People ask us all the time, should I do color or black and white? Well, it depends on the picture. I usually like to show clients the color version first. I have seen photographers try to hide a so-so color photo with black and white. So, I like to show color and then make recommendations based on the photo and your personal preference. I have found that if you start with a great photo in color and it has a good tonal range, then you will have a great black and white.

So, what is good tonal range? It is when you have equal amount of lights, midtones and darks. Here is a good example. The photo below is great in color and has good tonality. So, I have a pretty good idea I will have a good black and white with this one. Look below and see what you think.

On the next photo, I see it has a lot of light. So, I know the balance I usually like will be off a bit. But, it is a great photo. So, will it still make a good black and white? I go back to...if it starts out a great photo in color, then it's got a pretty good chance of being a good black and white too. In this case, I think the bright background makes it a very interesting black and white with a stronger contrast than the first. I like it. Though it doesn't have exactly the same balance the first one has, I still think it looks great as a black and white.

Now that we've seen both photos in color and black and white, it comes down to personal preference. In this case, though I love both photos in black and white, I have to say, my personal preference here is color. But the nice thing is, if I am trying to coordinate these photos with others that are already black and white, I know they will work. It's great to know I have the choice of both.

So, what do you think? Do you like the color or black and white the best? Let me know your favorite. Email me, dedra@studio193.com and I'll post the winning preference in a few days.

Well, that's it for today. I hope you've enjoyed the pictures. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

New O'Brien & Schridde Frames at Studio193!

We are excited to announce some beautiful new hand-made frames we now have available! These are timeless pieces, perfect for displaying your favorite Studio193 portrait of your child. We have developed some vintage photographic techniques you're bound to love and these frames are a perfect match. They have been featured in multiple publications, including Country Living and Country Home Magazines.

We feel like these frames will coordinate perfectly with most home decor. They are available in an array of colors, from bright, happy colors to creamy whites to weathered blacks. We will assist you in finding the perfect frame for your home and help you choose the perfect studio193 portrait to apply our vintage photographic technique to, giving you a piece of art that will be with your family for generations to come.

Here are a few examples of some of the frames we are carrying. All the portraits in these images are taken by Studio193 and have had some antiquing applied. We will be setting up a new gallery soon that will feature some of the new, custom pieces we have been working on. These include new art prints, holidays cards and much more. So, stay tuned because we are getting ready to launch our new website with all kinds of new goodies!