Lenswork Style Folios - New size??

[Jim Becia]

OK, as some of you know, I produced two sizes of the Lenswork style folios last year. I produced an 8x10 and an 11x14 size. One of the things I have noticed (and this is just with my own work) is that I really like the 11x14 image size. To me, it's just about the right viewing size when handling photos. This means that the paper size needs to be larger. So with that in mind, I'd like input on several fronts. Please realize that I come at this from outputting my color work on an inkjet printer so I will be talking about sizes that are relevant to that. Anyone using analog please chime in also.

So, to print an 11x14 on paper and to have enough margin around the image, I've come up with a few scenarios.

#1 Print the 11x14 image on 13x16 paper. This is simple enough by cutting down a 13x19 sheet which is a very common size. However, the margins are a little tight.
#2 Print the 11x14 image on a piece of 14x17 paper. This requires either cutting down a 16x20 piece or cutting down a 17x22 piece. If one cuts a 17x22 piece you end up with a leftover piece that is 8x17 and at least you can use 8x10 of that.
#3 Using 13x16 paper, reduce the 11x14 size a bit so that there is more margin around the image. I think an image of 10x13 might look pretty nice on the 13x16 paper. It would have the same spacing as the 11x14 on 14x17 paper. However, the idea of trying to keep the image at 11x14 is important in case someone decides to frame an image. It's very easy to get a 16x20 mat with an 11x14 cutout.

I have printed up two versions (see below), one on 13x16 and one on14x17. I included a bit of he other print when photographing so there is a little comparison between the two. I'm curious as to how they look. Which one looks better to you? And does the 13x16 paper look OK or is it too tight? Then of course, there is the economic aspect. It is certainly less expensive to use 13x19 paper.

I'd appreciate any and all comments, suggestions, and also what kind of interest you might have in something like this. Like I mentioned earlier in the post, I like holding and viewing 11x14 images, so I thought I would throw this out there and see what you think about it. Thanks. Jim Becia

[Henry Ambrose]

I definitely like the additional white space. But you could shrink the whole thing, keeping those proportions. I agree about the 11x14 size being nice to hold and look at.

[brian mcweeney]

I think if someone is going to be holding the prints as they are, having more than a one inch border keeps their fingers off the printed area. I also vote for the additional white space.

[Jim Cole]

Jim,

I 3rd the additional white space on the 13x16" paper.

[Steve Goldstein]

I normally mount my prints (WP and "8x10" with an image size a bit larger than WP) on 14x17, so would be interested in that size.

[Gary Samson]

Hi Jim,
I really like the 14x17 inch size and would be quite interested in buying some if you go ahead with production.

[Jim Becia]

Guys,

Thanks for the comments so far. What I'm hoping to hear for the most part, is what size folio makes more sense. I like the 13x16 size based on economics, but I like the 14x17 size based on presentation. It would be quite simple to downsize the image on the 13x16 paper to something like 10x13 and then there would be ample margins. However, as someone who owned a gallery and frame shop, I always keep framing/matting in mind on projects like this. And an 11x14 image is "easier" to mat and frame than a 10x13 image. So, let's hear some more comments. And lastly, I'm coming at this purely from a large format angle (4x5 and 8x10) in terms of sizes. More feedback and comments are appreciated. Thanks. Jim Becia

[Jim Becia]

I guess I can see that there is little interest in something along these sizes, so I guess this idea and project will get put on the back burner. Thanks to those who responded. Jim

[NicolasArg]

I guess I can see that there is little interest in something along these sizes, so I guess this idea and project will get put on the back burner. Thanks to those who responded. Jim

Hello Jim, I just discovered this thread after reading your original about lenswork folios.
Are you going to produce another batch of 8x10 folios?
Thanks,
Nicolas.

[Jim Becia]

Nicolas,

I did another run and have both sizes in stock, 8x10 and 11x14. Will send you a pm. Jim