HELPFUL TIPS FOR MATTING AND PRESENTING LARGER IMAGES FOR
PRINT COMPETITIONS:
by Lynne Kelman
For print competitions between clubs and if we get the opportunity to display prints, as
may be the case at the Surrey Art Gallery in the spring of 2010, the size of prints that are
usually required are 11x17 to fit a 16x20 mat. The 16x20 mat, usually being the largest
size allowable for entries.
(Now, this is not written in stone and you should look at the requirements for each
competition separately.)
Check the CBPC website for specific instructions for each competition.
***Also note that 11x17 is only the suggested size, prints can be smaller, square, oblong
or whatever, as long as they fit a 16x20 maximum size mat.
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We are fortunate in this area to have two or three good retail photographers who have
good printers and who know our requirements.
We can suggest that you try any of the following:
Reids Foto Source in North Bluff Shopping Centre in White Rock.
Terry Ross is the owner but his son usually does the printing.
604-5531-8344
Photo Experts on Scott Road.
Brad is the owner, Dave is very helpful, but ask to talk to who is doing the printing.
604-591-8833
Frame Warehouse #4-5652 Landmark Way (off Highway 10 near Willowbrook Mall
604-533-8842
Lorenzo is the owner, but Kay does all the printing.
You will need to take a CD or DVD with your finished, edited and sized image to each of
these photo shops. Do let them know that you are a member of Crescent Beach Photo
Club (for a discount) and also let them know that you require the print(s) for competition
purposes. (They will usually pay a little more attention to the printing if they know
this-----talk with the person who will print your images and set up a rapport.) Prints can
usually be done in one or two days and are not expensive. Note: of your print does not
come out the way you wanted it too, you can go back to the printer and explain and ask
he/she to try again (within reason!!!!!!).
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Once you have you print, you now need to mat it.
* For short-term protection where cost is a factor - It may be impractical to frame a photo
if it is to be exhibited or displayed for a short time. A short-term solution is to mat the
photo.
* For aesthetics: A mat creates a visual border, and helps the viewer separate the work
from the space around it. A mat helps focus the viewer's attention and places emphasis on
the photo.
Opus Frames is a well-known art supply retailer and has been on Granville Island for
many years. They are also on 204th Street in the Langley Mall-------604-533-0601 and
other locations in the lower mainland, they are familiar with photo clubs needs.
Opus Frames sells all kinds of matboard-----let them know what you need it for and that
you are a member of CBPC and they will guide you through the process. They sell 16x20
back mattes and front window mattes, pre-cut to the window size you want. They also
sell large 32x40 matboard that can be cut by yourself at home. You will probably want to
use an acid free mat, back and front, to protect your photograph from the leaching of
chemicals in some matboard.
Opus do sell mat cutters, prices start at about $125.00 and up, but there are a few people
in the club who own mat cutters and may be able to assist in cutting mattes for you????
Frame Warehouse also sells matboard, as above and sometimes the club can buy in bulk
and get discounted prices. (Talk to Bruce Garton re: bulk orders).
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As well as mats, windows and backs, you will need:
A sharp cutting knife
Labels
Double sided tape
(Opus sells several types of double sided tape, the one with brown kraft on the outside
works well. Staples also sells 3M Scotch brand double-sided tape (acid free)---I have
used this successfully.)
ASSEMBLING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE IN THE MAT:
(Please note that there are many ways to mat a print. This is only one way, it works for
me----you may want to look into hingeing or other ways).
* Presuming that you have measured your print and purchased or cut the appropriate size
back and front mattes.
* Check that everything is going to fit before applying any tape.
The tape is then applied to the back top of your print, preferably in the white margin area
and a little to each side to anchor it on to the back mat-----do not tape all four sides, the
print needs breathing room---
Once you have anchored your print to the back mat, apply the tape to the very top of all
four sides, length and width, of your back mat and also above where the window is going
to be-------centre the window mat on top, making a sandwich of the 2 mattes and your
photographic image. Press firmly together to get adequate adhesion, maybe use books or
weights as a sandwich for 24 hours, to prevent everything coming apart.
Voila---follow instructions on the website for labelling the back of each print and bring it to
be judged proudly.
If you want to try other methods of matting and framing, check the Opusframing.com web
site for instructions on matting, hingeing and framing in their "HOW TO LIBRARY".
Good Luck ---hope this helps. Please remember that there are many long-standing
members in the club who will gladly answer questions and would be willing to assist you.
Looking forward to seeing your prints
Lynne Kelman/ Communications
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