Modern technology means we are all capturing memories with professional quality photos to be proud of, but many of those stunning shots stay hidden in your smartphone. Bring them to life and print your photos directly from your phone so you can display them in the perfect photo frame.
MAKING SENCE OF PHOTO PRINT SIZES
Photo prints are one of few things where imperial measurements in inches still prevail, but don’t let that confuse you. It’s easy to convert to metric sizes if you need to — when choosing the right photo frame size for example.
Large portrait or landscape print sizes
8×6 inches = 20.3×15.2cm (Landscape)
6×8 inches = 20.3×15.2cm (Portrait)
10×8 inches = 25.4×20.3cm (Landscape)
8×10 inches = 25.4×20.3cm (Portrait)
12×8 inches = 30.48×20.3cm (Landscape)
8×12 inches = 30.48×20.3cm (Portrait)
A4 = 21×29.7cm (Landscape or portrait)
16×12 inches = 40.64×20.3cm (Landscape)
12×16 inches = 20.3×40.64cm (Portrait)
Large square print sizes
8×8 inches = 20.3×20.3cm
10×10 inches = 25.4×25.4cm
12×12 inches = 30.48×30.48cm
16×16 inches =40.64×40.64cm
It’s worth knowing that large photo prints are trimmed after they’ve been printed. The area which may be trimmed off is around the edge the print and is known as the bleed area. The bleed area typically comprises 2-3mm around the edge of the photo print and it’s advised not to have any important part of the photo within this bleed area as this may be lost in the final trimming.
MATT OR GLOSS FINSH FOR LARGE PHOTO PRINTS?
Whether you choose a matt or gloss finish for your photo prints largely comes down to personal taste, but for a seamless, professional look, there are a few things worth considering before you decide, particularly for large framed photo prints.
Gloss finish
Gloss prints have a shiny finish. This can be a real asset to a colourful, high-resolution photo as it highlights the contrasting tones, adding a rich vibrancy that will make the colours “pop”. Because gloss photo paper has a smooth surface, it gives photos a crisp, sharp, modern finish.
The drawbacks of gloss prints are that they are susceptible to fingerprints and they reflect light. This could attract glare if the print is positioned in a room with lots of light — even more so if the photo is in a glass frame. In addition, gloss photos tend to be tackier and so may stick to the surface of the glass in a frame making it appear like there is a defect in the photo.
Matt finish
A matt surface is generally the professional’s choice. A matt finish scatters rather than reflects light, minimising shine and glare. This makes the prints more versatile — they look good in any amount of light and are easier to view in frames. However, with a matt finish the colour may appear a little duller. Matt photo prints don’t have the same striking depth of colour or sharpened edges that gloss prints do.
The bottom line is that when it comes to big, framed prints with a large surface area, a matt finish probably carries less risk. If you do choose gloss, select a frame with an anti-reflective acrylic panel as these reflect less light and reduce glare.
THE BENEFIT OF A MOUNT
A mount, also known as a mat, is a piece of card that acts as a border around a picture. Just as a well laid-out website has plenty of ‘white space’, the quality, style and viewability of a framed picture is enhanced by mounted photo prints.
As well as looking contemporary and being aesthetically pleasing, a photo mount also serves the more practical purpose of stopping the print from sticking to the glass in a frame, which can happen when the emulsion in the photo reacts to water in the air, or if a framed photo is in direct sunlight.
Before you commit to a frame, check the size of the mount aperture corresponds with the size of your print.
HOW TO FRAME LARGE PHOTO PRINTS
Getting it right when framing your beautiful print can feel daunting, but you can easily achieve a professional look. Here are our photo lab manager’s photo framing tips:Choose the right frame for your large photo prints
To get an initial idea of what sort of frame you want, consider the style and tone of the photo you’re framing and the décor of the house or room you plan to put it in.
Then, unless you’re buying a bespoke frame, start your search with the size of your photo. From there you can weigh up your options when it comes to the frame material (metal, plastic, or wood), colour, width, depth and whether you want a mount.
Black and white photos often benefit from the simplicity of a narrow metal frame, while the vibrancy of a colour photo can be drawn out by choosing a coloured frame to match a prominent colour from the photo itself. Wooden frames can work with traditional photos, or in a home that boasts a rustic or farmhouse style decor.
For great value, stylish frames, The Range, Dunelm and Ikea stock a fabulous selection of landscape, portrait and square photo frames in a variety of photo frame sizes, colours and materials.
Consider the photo itself
One of the most important aspects to consider before framing your print is the impact of the picture frame itself on your photo. The depth of photo frames varies considerably and as your photo will generally sit behind the frame you should ensure that there are no important parts of the photo near the edge as this may be covered by the frame. Similarly, a small part of the photo will sit behind a mount if this option is chosen.
Prepare, adjust, fix
Find a large, flat, clean surface. You’ll also need some tape — framer’s tape, masking tape, washi tape or Sellotape will all do. Before you open the back of the photo frame, make sure the print is ready — minimising the time the cover is open reduces the chance of dust getting onto it. Take out or spin the metal clasps on the back of the frame to release the backing board, then clean the glass or acrylic panel with a microfibre cloth to remove any smudges or dust.
Place the mount on the table face down and lay your print over the aperture, also face down. Use tape the on the back of the print to secure it in place. Hold up your print to check it’s aligned with the frame or mount and adjust it until it’s centred and straight.
Once you’re happy, secure the print onto the frame or mount with longer strips of tape, making sure they’re nice and smooth. Place the mount if used in the frame, drop the backing board on top and fasten the clips.
THE BEST FRAMED PHOTO PRINTS
We all have our favourite photos we want to enlarge and frame but the most popular framed photo prints generally feature wedding photos, travel photos and photos of the children. Framed wedding photos hung on all wall are a timeless classic which adorn almost every family home and have pride of place decade after decade and are passed on from generation to generation.
WHERE TO HANG A LARGE PHOTO FRAME
Extra-large framed photo prints or framed panoramic photo prints look striking as a single showpiece taking centre stage on a wall or as a complimentary group of frames on a landing. But you can also put large prints in a multiple photo frame, or use them to create a gallery wall or photo frame collage, with prints of all your family and friends. You can arrange these in an abstract way or in a more orderly grid. To map out your arrangement, use paper templates.
When deciding where to hang or place your framed photos, be mindful of direct sunlight as this can create glare or cause the print to fade. South facing walls and windowsills may be best avoided.
You can bring your memories to life by enlarging, printing and framing photos directly from your phone. For your own home or as a gift, printed photos always provide that personal, meaningful touch. Order your perfect, high quality photo prints from PostSnap today!