Suggestions for matting and framing lots of photos.

[gsk]

I am needing some suggestions to try and find the most economic way to present about 100 photos ( sizes 11x14 & 13x19 in ). I have been asked by my Community Arts Association to put on a one man photography showing. Yes, I am honored to be asked but, I want to cut down my costs. I will be printing the photos on my Epson R1800 and using top notch archival paper and ink. Should I frames all of these or would it be too tacky to show with matte covered with plastic? I think to frame everything will be more than $1,000. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

[KmH]

For an art fair yes matted in plastic is appropriate. How would you display matted and bagged prints?

100 frames for $1000 would be dirt cheap, that's only $10 a frame including mat and backing. For decent framing I'd think you'd be looking at over $5000 to frame 100 images.

Mpix sells framed 11x14's with a 2 inch mat at $42 and up (no glass). But you'll be doing your own printing so you'd have to find a frame shop or buy frames and mount the prints yourself. That's a lot of work to frame 100 prints.

How long till the show?

I would seek counsel from the Community Art Association on what their expectations are too.

[gsk]

Originally Posted by KmH

For an art fair yes matted in plastic is appropriate. How would you display matted and bagged prints?

100 frames for $1000 would be dirt cheap, that's only $10 a frame including mat and backing. For decent framing I'd think you'd be looking at over $5000 to frame 100 images.

Mpix sells framed 11x14's with a 2 inch mat at $42 and up (no glass). But you'll be doing your own printing so you'd have to find a frame shop or buy frames and mount the prints yourself. That's a lot of work to frame 100 prints.

How long till the show?

I would seek counsel from the Community Art Association on what their expectations are too.

Thanks for the response. My show will be in September. Yes, I realize the framing of 100 prints was over $5,000. In writing, I hit the 1 instead of the 5. I spoke with the Asssociation and the number of prints to show is up to me. The building is large and would easily show 100 prints. I may get by with 50 though.

[LeeF]

You can save yourself a lot of time by using the pre cut (or custom) mats w/ backer foamboard from www.documounts. Been using them for years.

Good luck on the show.

www.mts.com has some nice inexpensive frames.

Good luck on your show.

[gsk]

Thanks for the links Lee. I'll look into these.

[rct4905]

11x14's with a 2 inch mat at $42 and up (no glass) ?

I buy some of my frames from Michaels Arts and Crafts. not all the frames they have are something I feel are good for resale, but the few that I do like, I wait until they are for sale at either 40% off or 50% off. This week until Saturday, they are 50% off.
The prices for 16x20's used to be $39.95 which used to make each frame $19.98 including the glass. Although I ditch the glass and purchase my own non-glare UV glass.
Michaels prices have gone up where it now cost I think $42.95 for a 16x20 not on sale
I was able to keep the price of paper, ink, matte, glass, frame and hanging hooks and wire between $30-40. I cut my own mats
Every outdoor show I do I usually have 25 framed prints to hang on my art tent walls and probably between 100-200 matted prints in the bins.

[KmH]

Originally Posted by rct4905

11x14's with a 2 inch mat at $42 and up (no glass) ?

They do all the work, includes the print. That's plus shipping, delivered ready to hang. They only do centered mat windows and 2 inch is the only choice other than white or black.

My local pro framer starts at $100 for the same thing (beautiful frames, museum archival mounting).

[gsk]

Thanks for the tips. My problem is that this is a show and not really a sale. People can buy but, that will be a very small number. Therefore I want to cut down my costs as much as possible. I don't mind showing but don't want to sink thousands into this.

[rct4905]

The price I told you I was able to keep $30-40 was my 10.5 x 15.5 in a 16x20 frame, not an 11x14 frame. $42 for a print, and frame for your costs is a lot if you are selling your framed work for under $100.
For me, as far as art prints, I never send out any print without my signature on the bottom right 1/4 inch white border along with a title in the center. I also include a "Certificate of Authenticity" with information on the type of paper used, date and place the picture was taken along with the edition number.

If you are selling portrait type photography, obviously you wouldn't be signing.

Here is an example of where I sign and frame my own work. although this one is a 12x18 in an 18x24 frame

[rct4905]

?? mts.com has frames? what am I missing?

Here is what their website says they do
(MTS Systems is the leading provider of mechanical test systems, material testing, fatigue testing and tensile testing services as well as motion simulation system and calibration services.)

[Songman45]

Any chance of working with a frame shop in your area? A little strategic "frames graciously provided by...." sinage, and if you are able to sell, you might move some inventory for them. It never hurts to have a relationship with allied businesses. You may want to matte some, frame some, and flush mout some just to keep things from going monotone in your show.

Best of luch and congratulations on getting the gig in the first place.

Steve