Fine Art Photography Framing
A fine art photography print is only half the display equation. The frame — including the mat, glazing, and mounting — determines how the image reads on the wall, how well it is protected from environmental damage, and how long it will remain in pristine condition. Getting the framing right is as important as choosing the right print in the first place.
The Case for Professional Framing
For prints 16×20 and larger, professional custom framing is strongly recommended. A professional framer can:
- Measure precisely to ensure the print fits the frame without compression or movement
- Specify archival-quality mat board and backing
- Source UV-protective glazing appropriate for fine art photography
- Mount the print using archival hinging tape that will not damage the paper over time
Consumer-grade ready-made frames are fine for small decorative prints. For Hahnemühle archival fine art prints, the investment in professional framing protects an investment in the print itself.
Choosing the Right Frame Profile
Frame profile should complement the image without competing with it. General principles:
- Simple profiles (thin metal, thin wood) work universally with fine art photography and are the default recommendation
- Wide wood profiles work well for landscape photography with a natural or rustic subject
- Minimal metal frames (Nielsen-style) are ideal for contemporary and urban subject matter
- No frame (float mount) — printing on a thick substrate or mounting on aluminum dibond without a frame creates a gallery-contemporary look suitable for modern spaces
Mat Selection
A mat (or mount) creates visual breathing room between the image and the frame. For fine art photography, use:
- Acid-free 100% cotton rag mat board — the archival standard. Avoid standard chipboard-core mat boards, which contain acids that can damage the print over time.
- Width — a wider mat (3–4 inches) gives images more visual weight and a gallery feel. Narrower mats (1–2 inches) work for contemporary arrangements.
- Color — white or off-white mats are the default for fine art photography; they do not compete with the image and provide a neutral ground.
Glazing: Glass vs. Acrylic
Museum-grade glazing protects prints from UV damage and environmental pollutants. Choose between:
- Museum glass — anti-reflective, UV-filtering glass. The clearest viewing experience but heavier and fragile at large sizes.
- Museum acrylic — UV-filtering, lightweight, and shatter-resistant. Better for large format prints (30×40 and above) due to weight and safety.
Mount and Display Your Edin Chavez Print
Shop the full collection at edinfineart.com/prints/ and the shop. Explore subjects in the galleries. Every print arrives on archival Hahnemühle paper, ready for framing to the standards described above. Learn about the artist at about Edin Chavez.