Black and white photographs have continued to be popular since their inception roughly 150 years ago. The capability of black and white images to fit many decorating styles has added to their increased popularity. As such, people have become more open to different, more intricate framing designs for these items.
How to best frame a black and white photo is a subject for much conjecture. An uncomplicated and simple photo frame to take nothing from the art, or a more complicated picture frame to complement the subject matter? Add colour in the photo frame design to help draw the eye to the image, or stick with an unyielding two-tone approach to ensure dramatic elegance?
So where does all this leave us? Well to be honest, somewhere in the middle. It is true that there is as much diversity in black and white photography as in any other art form. People have many different opinions on how best to frame a black and white photo However, there are some simple conventions and techniques you should keep in mind when framing black and white photographs.
Some framers believe an immaculate white mount is best for all black and white photos, on the grounds that it does not detract from the picture itself. However, for pictures with a white focal point, a pristine white mount can be too bright and will challenge with the photo for interest.
Another common mistake is to try to 'lighten' dark art by surrounding it with a light mount. In reality, a light mount border causes the dark colours in the photo to look even deeper.
Mounts should be black, white or grey in colour. Any other colour adds a constituent that isn't present in the image. If you insist on a colourful mount, a common alternative is to go for a white mount with a small accent of colour as a second mount (known as a double mount). However, this accent in fact pulls the eye away from the photo. A better solution is to use the colour as the predominant top mount and place the accent of black or grey below it to work as a transition into the photograph. With all that colour adjacent to the photo it isolates the photograph, in effect, drawing attention to it.
When it comes to the photo frame itself, consider the era, style and position of the photograph. As in framing any art piece, each photo frame must enhance the style and mood of the photo itself. Many framers believe you should stick to a narrow, simple photo frame for black and white photographs, but this may not match up with the subject of the photo. For example, a picture of an ornate piece of architecture may look superior with a more classical picture frame design.
Elongation is often a good treatment for portrait photographs, images with vertical subjects or strong vertical lines. By making the top and bottom borders wider, it dramatises all those vertical elements.
A mountslip which matches the photo frame moulding can create a solid, classic outline around the photograph. This helps pull the viewer's attention in from the photo frame to focus on the picture itself. Mountslips can also help enhance the customised appearance of the design, adding character and perceived value.
When any item is framed properly the frame design should add a sense of value to the finished product. So a great frame design will help a mediocre shot look good and an unimaginative framing job will bring even the best photograph to the level of a cheap poster.
Remember, just because the subject lacks colour doesn't mean the framing should lack creativity.
For more advice or to discuss any of the points raised above please do not hesitate to contact us or visit us in person.
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