I took a class a couple of months back and there are some general border settings used when making prints for display. I know the borders can vary depending how you want to display your work, but I just want to find out the general one most typically used. (I lost my notes from the class)

-- Ramon (ramonfilm@yahoo.com), December 31, 1999

Answers

Hi Ramon,

Well, I really dislike the idea of there being a typical-standard-normal anything being taught in a photography/art class...but you didn't ask that and I don't say that to step on anyone's toes (quite the opposite...).

I suppose it might be easier for me to note the things I DON'T do for borders:

* never extremely thin (like, less than 1/3 inch--though I do utilize the full-sheet occasionally, by taping the sheet down to the board without an easel);

* never without paying attention to the composition, whether it is vertical or horizontal, etc., and how much;

* never without paying attention to the rhythm, both of form and of light;

* and never without considering ultimately where the print is going...

Outside those personally-imposed limitations (which even then I sometimes break), I don't really think there is a typical border setting. I hope there isn't anyways. I hope this helps a little.

shawn

-- shawn gibson (SeeInside@hotmail.com), December 31, 1999.

Whatever looks good to you. That's the only criteria you need. james

-- Mr.Lumberjack (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), January 01, 2000.

If they will be unmounted (by whatever means) for very long, protect your image by giving a large border (my minimum is 1/2 inch on an 8x10). It makes them easier to handle and safe from edge damage. On 11x14 paper I print 7 or 9 inches square (lately)...t

-- tom meyer (twm@mindspring.com), January 03, 2000.

Ramon, There are no "general border settings" (don't worry about losing your class notes, you have a brain of your own). Borders should be wide enough so that handling and processing the prints does not damage the image. The only other consideration you have is is how you are going to display your prints and what you find pleasing. If you, as many photographers now do, hinge your prints to a board or mount them with corners, and you don't want the edge of the print to show under the window mat, then you must have borders wider than the distance from the edge of the image to the window opening (i.e. plan ahead). Otherwise, it's a matter of your artistic taste. There are some of us who find the precision and neatness of trimming borders and dry- mounting prints to be the most pleasing presentation, despite the current trends. You might even try that too. Do what pleases you artistically. Regards ;^D)

-- Doremus Scudder (ScudderLandreth@compuserve.com), January 03, 2000.

If you plan to use stock mats, they assume a < inch border (10= x 13= opening for an 11 x 14). I use 3/16ths to give me a little slop.

-- Brian Hinther (BrianH@sd314.k12.id.us), January 25, 2000.