Framed portraits are one of the best ways to display and enjoy your family photographs, but many people still feel a bit apprehensive and weary of the commitment that comes with a big piece of artwork.

In this post, you’ll find out about the frames I offer my clients and why they’re one of the best (and easiest) ways to enjoy your portraits on the daily basis!

WHO FRAMED PORTRAITS ARE FOR

Framed portraits are not for everyone. I have been in many homes that don’t have wall space because of windows or bookshelves and have talked with a few families who simply don’t want themselves on display in that manner. It’s sometimes more comfortable to have framed portraits of children only and not the whole family, but it really comes down to personal preference on this one. I’m always there to advise parents on how to best utilize wall space and what frame size and grouping makes the most sense for their home.

Most of the time, we’ll know going into the session whether a specific size frame is desired or an area of the home needs wall decor (this is often part of the styling consultation before the session), which allows us to photograph with that goal in mind. Families who are interested in frames want to see their children’s smiling faces every day and be reminded of that joy as they walk around their house. They also want their children to know how much they matter to them, as photographs on display (especially when they’re framed large) boost children’s confidence and tell them that they are loved and safe within the family. But most of all, they see photography as a way to decorate their house with personalized artwork, and want high-quality framing to match.

KEY FEATURES

There are a few key features for these frames. First of all, they are individually crafted by hand in Virginia, using the best hardwoods and conservation-grade materials. The quality of the workmanship is unparalleled and isn’t something you can get outside of a small business run by a person who really cares about their craft. These frames are truly heirloom pieces and include a 50-year workmanship guarantee, too. That also means that they’re more expensive than your average frames, which is why I always encourage families to think about the long-term view of investing in artwork and evaluate the purchase based on the longevity of the piece.

Here are some features that the frames include:

• Solid, real hardwood (walnut or maple) framing with expert precision.

• White 8-ply conservation-grade mat, which is museum-quality and won’t yellow over time.

• Shatter-resistant acrylic instead of glass and safe to use in children’s rooms.

• Ability to change out the photograph (yes, that means you can update the image that’s in the frame when you have a new child or as the children grow!).

• Design and full white-glove installation included with every frame.

WHAT MAKES THESE FRAMES DIFFERENT

Most frames aren’t hand-made with the amount of care and attention that goes into these custom pieces.. and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference if you don’t know the particulars of the framing world.

This is something that isn’t readily apparent when you first buy a frame, but becomes obvious if you know what to look for over a period of a few years. If the wood isn’t mitered correctly and joined using materials that warp or come apart, you will start to see splitting and gaps in the frame as wood adjusts to humidity over and over again. Sub-par wood will also look and feel different and most companies simply use a walnut veneer to achieve the look.. but once scratched as a result of moving or bumping, the frame will certainly show wear differently.

Most mats will also yellow over the years because they’re not really free of acidic materials (even if it specifically says “acid-free”). This is why I searched for years and was so thrilled when I found the company I currently work with for framing.. because none of the shortcuts are taken with these frames! This is apparent over time as they’ve remained in perfect condition over years that I’ve had them.

HOW TO ENJOY FRAMED PORTRAITS IN YOUR HOME

The best way to enjoy framed portraits is to display them on a wall that you will pass by every day. That doesn’t mean the portraits have to be front and center in your home (although that’s certainly a great way to go).. and the print should be big enough to suit the image.

It’s a misconception to think that the space should dictate the size of the frame, because really it’s the image inside that should determine how big it should be displayed. For images with one single person (or a close up), you can go smaller, and for a family of 4+ you’ll want to print 16”x20” or larger so that you can see all the details and make sure everyone’s face is large enough for viewing. That being said, there’s not such thing as too large in my opinion. When you supersize a portrait, it creates maximum impact within the space, and in the end, isn’t that what we’re looking for?

P.S. View my guide on how to select the perfect frame size here: https://nlalorphotography.com/blog/how-to-select-the-perfect-frame-size-greenwich-connecticut-family-photographer

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FRAMES

Because frames are solid and protective, they keep your printed images safe inside, and there isn’t much you really need to do to take care of them. I have a large 20”x30” framed print of my boys above the fireplace and the only thing I do is wipe it down with a damp cloth once in a while to remove any accumulated dust particles. The wood, the acrylic glass, and the mat all have stayed in pristine condition (the same goes for the frames on display in my Studio), unlike most of the other frames I own - some of which are professional quality frames from photo labs. This is why it’s so important to invest in good quality products when you know you’ll want them around for many, many years.

Frames are one of my favorite products, and I love having these high-quality art pieces in my own home, too. Framed portraits are one of the best ways to guarantee you’ll get the most enjoyment out of your family images. Furthermore, I make sure that each one is professionally installed in your home without you having to lift a finger, which makes purchasing framed portraits a really great experience, too.

Let me know if you have any questions about frames below or if you simply have a comment about anything I mentioned above. I look forward to hearing from you!