So, I'm planning to enter a couple of prints next week in a photo contest in Carrboro. They choose a bunch of entrants and hang them in an exhibition that goes for Most of May. So, given that setup, here are the two questions:

1) They ask that the photos be framed--Without getting too expensive, should I be wild and print 12x18s and frame them in 16x24" frames, or should I be more conservative and go with 8x10s in 11x14s? Double mat or single mat? Obviously, I will be deciding these myself, but figure some of you might have more photo contest experience.

2) The main reason I am entering is that you can list a price for your prints as well, and if someone likes them well enough, they can buy them. I have prices set for prints because of some other work, but don't know much about pricing WITH frames. So, for a framed piece, what would be a ballpark asking price, IYO, for:
a) 8x10 print in 11x14 frame, or
b) 12x18 print in 16x24 frame?

I would say $175- $225 for a framed 8x12 and $275- $350 for a framed 12x18. This is assuming you are not buying your frame from walmart.

Seriously, try www.documounts.com for your framing supplies. The drawback is it takes 2 weeks to get your order. The prices are great though.

No smaller than 8x12, double mat and make sure the frame colors match well with the photo. You want it to be eye grabbing and visually pleasing. Then if people like the subject, theyll buy a print. Especially if thats why they are there.

Originally Posted by subimatt

make sure the frame colors match well with the photo.

only if the photo is black...

Yeah, I'd go with a 12x18 in a 18x24 frame myself. That's what was above the TV in my living room Mark. The reason being is it's the first size to me that's viewable from across a room... So your shot can catch someone's eye and they'll walk over to check it out. Any smaller and unless it's super bright/contrasty it's hard to noticed from a distance.

Plus for me it's ~$30 to so a 12x18 in a 18x24 all in, so that's not bad if you're doing 2.

One thing, Mark, do not do anything out of the ordinary in terms of matting/framing. These types of things like white mats and black frames. In my experience, all the chosen works have been like that.

Originally Posted by Stime187

One thing, Mark, do not do anything out of the ordinary in terms of matting/framing. These types of things like white mats and black frames. In my experience, all the chosen works have been like that.

agreed

Originally Posted by Stime187

One thing, Mark, do not do anything out of the ordinary in terms of matting/framing. These types of things like white mats and black frames. In my experience, all the chosen works have been like that.

That's what I figured... In all likelihood, both entries will be black and white, also, so black frame, white double mat would be perfect.

And Ben, are yours in 16x24 or 18x24--you mention both in your responses. One is even all around, the other isn't quite, so I'm assuming it's 18x24.

Now I just have to figure out which photos to enter.....

12x18 --> 18x24, that's what I would do and what I believe Ben meant.

And, what is this contest?

It's a contest at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro... I can scan the pamphlet for you when I get home. Basically, it's $15 per 2 entries, and the only categories are black and white and color. I don't know how many pieces they select, but they choose some for an exhibition from May 5- May 30th, and you can sell your work during that time (they get a 35% commission, which is actually sort of reasonable). There are also prizes, but I don't know what they are.

Hanna just brought me the info, and it looked interesting. You can only enter from March 31 - April 25th, also. If you're interested in entering, Scott (or Reed, or other locals), let me know.

Yeah, I'm interested.

Mind making a thread in Contests about it? I've done a few of these in the last couple years to decent success. Might can just google it for the info rather than having to scan the pamphlet. But whatever works.

Thanks, dude.

Will do, as soon as I get home from work--just finishing some stuff up here.

Thanks, Mark. No rush, just sounds like a good chance for some NSoP domination. You have to enter the tree shot too. It'll be money in a contest like this.

Originally Posted by Stime187

12x18 --> 18x24, that's what I would do and what I believe Ben meant.

+1

even on all sides. But I can't seem to type it out right...

and I suggest white mat with black core.

Mark, you mind throwing up those details? If I decide to do it, I'd like to get rolling on it. Thanks, dude.

I dislike mats in contests. It feels like who can afford more expensive mats and framing has a significant advantage. Selling prints nice mats totally make sense, but a contest.... :\

Originally Posted by Geekybiker

I dislike mats in contests. It feels like who can afford more expensive mats and framing has a significant advantage. Selling prints nice mats totally make sense, but a contest.... :\

I believe it's a juried exhibit, so you're both selling and entering a contest.

And true, more expensive mats/framing are an advantage, but I got 2nd place overall a couple years back with wal-mart framing/mat... so it's not too big of a deal. Especially in these more local shows, good work REALLY stands out and frankly, basic/clean matting and framing is your best bet in my opinion.

Mine will be single, white mats I cut myself in Jerry's Art-a-rama 18x24 inch black frames. Nothing special.

yep, going the DIY mat route it's under $30 per print INCLUDING the print for a 12 x 18 matted to 18 x 24. So IMHO why not since it dresses it up so nice? And if you can't mat yourself, you can order precut mats for little money and assemble it yourself.

Plus, for this contest, I'm not going to care about the contest itself... I'm matting/framing two 12x18s for myself. That way, when the contest/exhibit is done, they can go on my wall. Or if they don't get selected, they can still go on my wall.

Hmmm, this might be interesting. I may enter, we'll see. I'll have to decide what to enter, though. And get some time...

At some point was there talk of making some sort of framing how-to on here? Ben, was it you? I think that something like that would be rather handy, particularly for someone like me with little to nil experience/equipment.
Reed

Ben wrote up a nice tutorial on matting, I'm sure it can be found pretty easily... I'll look for it later if need be.

Yeah, I just found it. Somehow I missed it. It's an awesome write-up.
Reed

Nice, now we just need Mark to give us the details... Google has nothing for me.

It's coming! I was going through stuff in my house the other day and found my USB cords, but now I've lost them again. And, I do have to work sometimes.....

Originally Posted by Markitos

It's coming! I was going through stuff in my house the other day and found my USB cords, but now I've lost them again. And, I do have to work sometimes.....

Originally Posted by Markitos

It's coming! I was going through stuff in my house the other day and found my USB cords, but now I've lost them again. And, I do have to work sometimes.....

Psssh, work is for losers. That's why I haven't really left my room for anything other than food and class today...
Reed