Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 40

Thread: Question regarding displaying photographs

  1. #1
    Hack Pawlowski6132's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Detroit - Come Visit
    Posts
    923

    Question regarding displaying photographs

    In lieu of glare-free glass, does anyone reguarly display their work in frames sans glass?

    thanx,

    Joe

  2. #2
    hacker extraordinaire
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,331

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    I do. I hate glass. The only time I have used glazing is for some prints I hung at work, because I didn't want the cleaning staff to use Windex on the bare prints.
    Science is what we understand well enough to explain to a computer. Art is everything else we do.
    --A=B by Petkovšek et. al.

  3. #3
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Albuquerque, Nuevo Mexico
    Posts
    9,864

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    In the balance of long term protection from the elements, unencumbered viewing etc. glass is still the best compromise. In general, the real problem is where a framed print is hung and how it is lit rather than the use of glass. Most people pay scant attention to the environment and then blame the use of glass for problems in viewing the print.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    klamath falls, oregon
    Posts
    1,728

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    Well, I'm a "push the button" kind of printer, which colors my perception a bit. The prints I hang in my own home do not use glazing anymore. I'm about to start experimenting with no mats either - just printing on a piece of paper the size of the frame, but with the image somewhat smaller.

    I'm about to send a couple of matted and framed images to my sister, and shipping without glazing is nice, as well. And if they fall off the wall, no broken glass! If the prints ever suffer in some way, I can just print more. But by the time that happens she might be looking for something new anyway!

    If I ever sold any images I might have other concerns, but that is not a problem at this point!

  5. #5
    ROL's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1,370

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    Quote Originally Posted by Pawlowski6132 View Post
    In lieu of glare-free glass, does anyone reguarly display their work in frames sans glass?
    Sure, the "mistakes" (mostly mounting or finishing) – in my garage.

    But seriously, I have tried glare resistant acrylic glazing, the glass variety being beyond my means and otherwise undesirable. It merely dulls the clarity of the underlying print. That probably isn't much of a problem for machine made images .

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Stevens Point, WI
    Posts
    1,553

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    I am surprised that anyone uses plain glass anymore. It is very heavy and a problem waiting to happen. But I always use acrylic. It does add glare but protects the prints from dust, fingerprints, and general mischief. The acrylic I get from Frame Destinations is my favorite because the adhesive paper comes off easily in one simple tug.

  7. #7
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Albuquerque, Nuevo Mexico
    Posts
    9,864

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    Quote Originally Posted by jeroldharter View Post
    I am surprised that anyone uses plain glass anymore. It is very heavy and a problem waiting to happen. But I always use acrylic. It does add glare but protects the prints from dust, fingerprints, and general mischief. The acrylic I get from Frame Destinations is my favorite because the adhesive paper comes off easily in one simple tug.
    I only use acrylic on very large pieces or when I have to ship framed prints to collectors or shows. Acrylic has its issues too-it is more expensive, is easily scratched and can warp during temp fluctuations .
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  8. #8
    Abuser of God's Sunlight
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    brooklyn, nyc
    Posts
    5,796

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    If it weren't so expensive, I'd use Museum Glass or one of the equivalents. Really amazing stuff. Over the last few years I've settled on plexi. The weight and durability and clarity offset the scratchability and dust magnet qualities. But I don't like the wavy look it gives to glare and reflections.

    The project I'm doing now will probably be glassless.

  9. #9
    Has Been LF Photographer
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Posts
    182

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    I have only used standard acrylic for framing and displaying b&w prints since the 1970's. I feel the green tint of glass ruins a b&w print.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    775

    Re: Question regarding displaying photographs

    I use standard glass for small and medium prints, and acrylic for very large prints or ones that will be shipped for exhibition. Acrylic is expensive and scratches easily, but for very large prints it can actually be a safety issue.

    I've seen a few unglazed prints (in traditional frames) in shows lately. They look somewhat strange when presented next to prints with glass. Of course if it's a solo show or prints for your home, then go crazy and do what you want, it doesn't have to fit in with any other work.

    In my opinion if you use a traditional frame and no glass, it looks sort of odd. If you do something completely different, say, a print mounted on gatorboard or dibond with no frame, that can be a simple and nice presentation.

    Kirk's right, if the light is right, the glass disappears for the most part.

Similar Threads

  1. 5x7 & larger enlargers Question
    By MalRayPhotography in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 15-Apr-2013, 14:49
  2. Question on Ep 3800 Cartridges--indicators
    By Raymond Bleesz in forum Digital Processing
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-Jun-2010, 03:34
  3. are photographs still photographs...
    By cobalt in forum On Photography
    Replies: 311
    Last Post: 26-Aug-2009, 23:03
  4. Enlarger Question
    By Dave_B in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 22-Apr-2009, 14:53
  5. How do you get back into the swing of things?
    By Mark_3632 in forum Style & Technique
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 19-Feb-2004, 05:31

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •