Thank you to everyone who has helped me with my other 2 questions! Now I have a third that I need some advice. I copied my parent's wedding picture and blew it up into an 8X10. I gave it a white mat with a black frame as was recommended to me by everyone here. It looks awesome. Now, I'd like to set up a "generations" wall in my house. I wanted to display my parent's wedding picture, my inlaws and my own - all 8X10 - and then hang a picture of my new baby - all at eye level going down a hallway. The question I'm trying to get at is...(it's hard to describe). Will it look stupid to have these b&w photos on display with my own color photo? Should I keep the matting and frames the same as they are for the b&w pictures? I'd really like it to look "museum"-like and I don't know if I'd take away from the b&w's now if I hung up color pictures next to them. My own picture has a lot going on in the background (golf course, fall foliage) and I don't want to distract they eye from the others too much. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I've already received the best advice and since I took it, I think I have the best results because of all your help. Thank you again!

-- Mary-Jean (tommysmommy3@iwon.com), April 30, 2000

Answers

Being a b/w photographer for about 35 years, I think a color photo would stick out like a sore thumb in a b/w exhibit, why don't you copy the color photo in b/w and then it would fit right in with the rest, or start a color exhibit on another wall. Regards, Pat

-- pat j. krentz (krentz@cci-29palms.com), May 01, 2000.

Hi Mary-Jean, I tend to agree with Pat. However, I do think that each situation is different, and how it looks would depend a lot on how it fits in with the surroundings. I believe the only way you can truly find out is to try both ways, and actually go through with the matting and framing. All you really need to do is get a b&w made from your color photo - the same size & then slip each one into the mat/frame and try them out on the wall.

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), May 01, 2000.

One of the great things about a good museum show is the way different elements are pulled together to make a coherent work. Don't be afraid to experiment with color and black and white. But do what good museums do...match the presentation with the piece. That is, if you are going to mix disperate elements, do so thoughout the display. Choose frames and mats to suit each print. Don't try to make everything the same with black and white and then plop a coor photograph into the scheme. Don't be surprised idf you have to re- work the presentation several times to get it right.

-- John Rountree (j.rountree@usa.net), May 03, 2000.

Black and White together, Color together. I myself don't like color therefore I don't use it often. But don't take away from the beauty of B&W by putting a color photo with them! Take Care Gary

-- Gary L. Jagours (glj00@hotmail.com), May 03, 2000.

I think John's answer is right on. Thinking 'outside-the-box' and experimentation is the key to innovative work!

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramial.com), May 05, 2000.

oops - my e-mail is: chris.harkness@eudoramail.com

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), May 05, 2000.