How to order custom framing for your fine art photography print
A fine art print is not finished simply because the image is on paper. A well-chosen picture frame gives the photograph weight, protects its surface and helps it belong in the room. Matting creates breathing space, while the right glazing and backing help preserve colour and condition over time.
Ordering a custom frame is easiest when the photograph, presentation and location guide the decisions. That matters for an Australian home, whether it hangs in a Melbourne apartment or a coastal house near the Sunshine Coast. Bright summer light, coastal damp and a preference for warm, natural materials can shape the finished look. The aim is a considered piece of wall art rather than a hurried rectangle around a picture.
Selecting a frame and mat
Start with the image rather than a frame moulding seen in a shop. A restrained black or timber profile lets a landscape lead; a pale frame can make a darker image feel open. Before choosing, view the photograph on a screen and imagine it at full size.
Frame directions worth considering include:
- Natural oak, walnut or black-stained timber for a warm, traditional finish
- Slim black or white aluminium for a clean, gallery-like appearance
- A floating timber frame that leaves the print edges visible
- A deep box or gallery-wrap frame for a canvas with substantial depth
- A restrained gilt profile for an image with period or classical character
The mount is equally important. A mat board gives the eye a clean boundary and keeps the image from touching the frame. Depth can be created with a window mat, while the glazing choice affects clarity, reflections and UV protection.
Mat and glazing options include:
- A wide archival rag mat to give a small image breathing room
- A narrow inset mat for a larger photograph or a busy composition
- Layered mats with a stepped window to add depth
- UV-filtering acrylic for clarity, light weight and reduced glare
- Conservation glazing where additional protection against fading is needed
Ask for the frame’s finish, the mat’s visible opening and the outside measurements of the completed piece. These details prevent surprises when the framing quote is based on print size alone.
Protecting the print from Australian conditions
Strong sunlight is a familiar challenge for wall art in Australia. UV-filtering acrylic or conservation glazing can reduce exposure, but no glazing makes a print completely fade-proof. Keep framed photographs away from direct sun and consider rotating them occasionally so no area receives permanent brightness.
Humidity and temperature swings deserve attention in coastal Queensland and around the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. Damp can affect the mount, backing and any wooden components. Specify archival, acid-free materials, sealed edges and spacers that keep glazing separate from the print surface.
For long-term care, use the supplied dust cover, clean with a dry microfibre cloth and check for condensation or scratches. A little attention during seasonal humidity changes protects both the photograph and its presentation.
Getting the measurements and colour right
Most Australian measurements use centimetres, and local paper sizing often follows the A series, such as A2 and A3. These are different from North American sheet sizes. State whether 40 by 50 centimetres refers to the paper, the visible image or the finished frame, because each changes the composition and cost.
Think about proportion as well as size. A wide mat can make a modest print feel substantial, whereas a narrow border suits an expansive seascape. If the print is to fill a particular wall, measure the space and the hanging height before approving the frame.
Colour deserves a decision too. View the proof in controlled daylight and explain whether you want a warm, neutral or cool result. Paper, canvas and monitor settings can shift the tones, so agree on the intended appearance before production rather than after the frame arrives.
Placing the order with confidence
Begin with the photograph and the way you want to experience it. Thoughtful composition and the photographer’s use of natural light already shape the image; the frame should extend that visual story rather than compete with it. Lance King Photography’s photography services page is a useful place to review the fine art and landscape side of the studio’s work before choosing a print for your wall.
Because the business is based around Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Tennessee, Australian buyers should confirm where an order is fulfilled and whether it is quoted in US dollars. Ask whether framing can be arranged with the print or whether it is better to purchase the work flat and use a local framer. A written brief covering size, edition, paper or canvas, framing style and budget keeps everyone aligned.
Good framing begins with clear communication and an approval point. Request photographs of the proposed frame and mat combinations, along with the final dimensions, expected production time, delivery method and insurance terms. Confirm what happens if a print arrives with an unexpected crop, colour or crease; a careful process should include a remedy for damaged or unsuitable work.
Comparing costs, delivery and installation
An Australian framer will usually quote in Australian dollars, with GST shown where applicable. A Tennessee-based order may be priced in US dollars, and cross-border purchases can involve additional taxes, duties or carrier fees. Ask for a landed-cost breakdown in writing so the comparison is based on the same inclusions rather than a misleading starting price.
Framed artwork needs protective handling. Specify corner protection, a rigid backing and a purpose-made carton or travel crate for the finished piece. If you are travelling to the Oak Ridge and Knoxville area to discuss a commission, a travel safety guide can help with journey planning, while artwork transport and insurance need separate arrangements.
Before installation, check the completed frame against the wall and the chosen fixings. Australian homes may have plasterboard, brick or rendered walls, each requiring suitable anchors, and a gallery wall benefits from consistent spacing and alignment. Keep the finished print shaded, level and clear of moisture, then retain its packaging for future moves or storage.