What mat size for 5x7 enlargements

[jesskramer]

Friends,

I am shooting 5x7 exclusively now

I am interested in what mat board cutout size you are using for 5x7 enlargements ?

My overall mat size is usually 16x20, so I am asking about the cut out dimensions

I cut my own mats, but also do buy pre cut mats often

Any preferred sources for precut mats for 5x7 enlargements ?

It seems 8x12 is what I am finding mostly

Thanks,

Jesse

[Heroique]

I am shooting 5x7 exclusively now ... I am interested in what mat board cutout size you are using for 5x7 enlargements?

If you’re shooting 5x7, do you mean 5x7 prints (like 5x7 contact prints)?

In any case, 5x7 on 8x10 would be convenient and can look nice. If you match long side to long side, and center the photo, that leaves equal margins all around – 1.5 inches. These dimensions can be pleasing. You might raise the print, or lower it – a little, or a lot. It all depends on your composition, its orientation (vertical or horizontal), and what mood you’re in, etc. Lots of fun possibilities with 5x7 on 8x10.

BTW, if you’re over-matting a floating mount, the space between the over-mat’s window edge and the print’s edge is worth some careful thought, since you’re influencing the width of the over-mat. (More space means less width.) The effect is more pronounced w/ smaller over-mat sizes, such as 8x10…

[Harold_4074]

It also depends on the nature of the image and how it will be viewed. An 8x12 mat with a 5x7 print floated in a window may be very nice for a gallery display, but inappropriate for a portrait that will have to share wall space with pictures ranging from 3x5 to 11x14. One nice compromise is to use a 7x9 mount (with the drawback that this is not a standard frame size, but you can get around that if you use sectional frames).

Anyone with less than absolute confidence in their work should probably think carefully about any mounting where the mat border width is much more than a quarter or a third of the image width. There are few things more pretentious-looking than an amateurish 3x4 Polaroid or 4x5 contact print matted into a 16x20 mount...

[Bruce Barlow]

I use 11x14 mats for 5x7 prints. They feel luxurious.

[Richard M. Coda]

Another vote for 11x14 for 5x7 print size. Even for 4x5.

[Vaughn]

I like 12x16 for 5x7 (and for 4x10, and for two 4x5's). Versitile, but perhaps not optimal.

Vert 5x7 on 12x16: Top - 3.5", Bottom - 5.5", Sides - 3.5" (or 4/5/3.5)
Hor. 5x7 on 12x16: Top - 3", Bottom - 4", Sides - 4.5

[cowanw]

If you are asking the size of the hole; i cut my 5x7's 5x7.

Regards
Bill

My overall mat size is usually 16x20, so I am asking about the cut out dimensions


Thanks,

Jesse

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I use 14X17 for 5X7, I like the larger mat size as it seems to help the image stand out more. At least to my eye.

[jesskramer]

Friends,

I obviously need to clarify my question.....

I am not talking about the dimensions of the mat board..... I usually prefer 16x20

I am asking about the dimension of the cut out.....

For example I plan to enlarge my 4 3/4 x 6 5/8 negative times 2

My image is now 9 1/2 x 13 1/4.......

My question is about the dimensions of the cut out..... In the pre cut market I often see 8x12 cuts........any other sources for pre cut mat board other than 8x12 ?

I want to preserve as much image real estate as possible

Thanks,

Jesse

[Heroique]

I usually prefer 16x20...I am asking about the dimension of the cut out...I want to preserve as much image real estate as possible.

Are you searching for the widest pre-cut windows one can find for 16x20 mat board?