print size vs mount vs frame

Hello,

Just getting some prints framed - going for 12x18'' print size as I like the 2:3 ratio. (have to point out that the prints were actually 30x45cm which is a tiny bit smaller than 12x18'').

Went to a few shops and clearly there's no frame to fit this size (unless there is no mount, which is not ideal.)

I ended up buying a A2 frame and having the mount cut to fit the A2 frame with 12x18'' window (£50 for a simple frame, not cheap!)

It looks fine but not amazing, I wonder if it's better to have the same space between the picture and the frame or if the width should be wider than the height (not sure my sentence makes any sense!?).

Seems a 8x12'' print fits well in a 12x18'' frame with 2'' mount border on each side (width and height), but not too sure about a 12x18'' or a panoramic picture...

What do you think? couldnt find any answer on google although pretty sure people must have discussed this before!!

Thanks!

some options for cheap frames I've used in the past:

Homebase - find a framed print about the right size, then take it apart and reverse the print.

Wilkinsons - just wear sunglasses so nobody realises you are shopping downmarket

Habitat - see Homebase

Of course, nothing beats a custom-made frame from a good specialist, but they aren't cheap, so its a question of how valuable the contents are!

thx for that.

the content have no value as they are my art work

went to habitat the other day, didnt find anything nice

but even if i do get it framed i dont know what ratio to use for the frame...

I sometimes have bought frames from Ikea and chucked away the mount and cut my own, it takes care and a little practice with a mount cutter from an arts & crafts shop.

The size of print you have will look good in a 20x16 mount.

Where I live the local Wednesday and Saturday market has a picture framing guy who is much less expensive than the high street shop. Might be worth checking out your local market?

But 16x20 frame means my mount won't be even as 2'' spare on width and 4'' on height?

Sorry I completely misread your post

Noticed same problem myself. Set all print sizes on my website to match my 1.5 crop sensor but very few frames to match. In the home, I have been using A4 and A3 as these frames are commonly available.
Either that or crop everything square

I never mount prints centrally.Why not mount with 3" at the bottom and that would leave 1" top and sides.

John

you then have the challenge of coming-up with a caption to go at the bottom - a harder challenge than taking a decent picture!

boudou701, just re read original post, where did you see frame for 18x12 without mount as this is ideal for me as I do not tend to use mounts.

the shop i was referring to is snappy snaps - but now that i read my post again it doesnt make sense, might be 12x16 frames and not 12x18.

anyway i'm glad to see that i'm not the only one having troubles. Might not have to "center" the picture in the frame, but what would be a general guideline then? and it still means you need to get the mount custom made.

I've bought a load of hobbyist grade framing hardware to make my own . Time will tell how it pans out. I'm actually looking forward to giving it a lash

Do any of you guys hang your own photographs round the house? My missus is a bit concerned at the thought of it.

Hello boudou701

I have bought 12X18 Frame from arttoframe. I am very pleased with their quality and designs.

You can try them too. I am sure you will find nice fit for your pictures and moreover there will be no need for cropping.

Thank you.

If you want to get an idea of what various frames and mount sizes and colours look like without having to buy loads and wasting money, you could try using Picture Window Pro - a photo editing programme that is not only very versatile, but has a mat & frame function that allows you to play around and view it on screen.
link.
Hope that helps!