People start out as photographers, but rapidly come to the realization that they also must become adept at photo framing if they want to have their photographs look their best when on display. But not everyone has the time or talent to build frames from scratch. This is when ready made photo frames can come to the rescue.
Photographers can choose from wood or black metal picture frames. Black metal picture frames are the frames of choice for professional art galleries, who must switch out artwork constantly, and so need a consistent frame that looks good with every photograph that they put on display. For digital photographers, black metal picture frames also come in a 12 x 18 picture frame size, which works well with certain digital images.
Ready made photo frames are usually much less expensive than custom built ones. Plus, with ready made frames you can also take advantage of the cost savings that come from using pre cut mat board, mount board, and glazing that is sized for ready made frames, and enjoy additional savings.
The choice of picture framing supplies is wide and varied when you are selecting from ready made products. A 12 x 18 picture frame can be paired with mat board in various widths and colors, mount board of different materials, as well as acrylic or glass glazing. Photo framing, even with ready made supplies, leaves a lot of leeway for creativity on the artist's part.
Glazing is an area of photo framing that you will want to consider carefully. Glass glazing found in ready made photo frames provides a very hard, scratch resistant surface that can be a good choice for use in a professional gallery when you need to protect expensive fine art from possible damage. However, there are some disadvantages that come with using glass. It is very heavy, and adds to the weight of the piece of art, so that you must be very careful to use a hanging apparatus strong enough to bear the weight without breaking. It also tends to have a bit of color, such as green or blue, and this may make a big difference in the appearance of the surface of your photograph. Acrylic offers a truly clear finish that will not distort the colors used in your photographs. It also comes with ultraviolet light protection already built in, so that you can have safety against sunlight damage for your artwork. Acrylic is also lightweight, making the entire piece of completed and framed artwork easier to hang as well. It is not as scratch resistant as glass is, however. Ready made photo frames come with glass or acrylic glazing so you can select which is right for your artwork.
By: Susan Slobac
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.
| 
