ditch the ‘pile syndrome’

This post is all about framing.

Why you should frame…

Choosing WHAT to frame…

and trusting a pro to just do it for you.

frame in gallery

Here’s a scenario: You have your family pics taken/your child’s pic taken/your wedding pics taken. You get ‘the files’ to print on your own and maaaaaaaaaaaybe get around to printing a few 4×6’s and 5×7’s for family (if it’s around Christmas) and perhaps even a ‘big’ 8×10 to hang in your own home. But life soon gets in the way and that 8×10 sits and sits. Your errand of frame shopping gets lower on the priority list and while you’re Spring cleaning, you find all these unframed prints months later in your guest room. dusty and possibly creased from sitting under that other pile of crap you mean to deal with.

NEVER HUNG.

NEVER ENJOYED.

So does that scenario sound familiar? If yes, wouldn’t you rather just purchase a framed print, professionally printed from your amazing photographer?  Then your biggest task is to pound in a nail and hang it. BAM. You’re off to happy town with lots less stress and errands to run.

Just sayin.

So let’s first start off with WHY you should frame pictures.

(I won’t go into WHO should take them because that is just not for me to decide)

Decorating magazines will tell you that framed art, eh hem, framed photographs, help to personalize your space and make it your own. They help tell the story of who lives there and gives your guests something to look at while you slip into the bathroom. While this is true, framing a photograph sends a bigger message: that you love and care SO much for your family that you took the time and made the investment to archive your family’s history. That you (let’s be honest… it’s always the mom’s job, right?) spent hours of your precious free time getting a session scheduled, finding the perfect outfits, grooming everyone, grooming yourself, bribing the kiddos, etc… then after the session weeks or months later, carefully selecting the images from your amazing photographer that speak to your heart to print and enjoy in your home.

So now how are you even supposed to narrow the choices down on WHAT to frame??

Hopefully if you chose your photographer wisely, you have a ton of images that you absolutely love; a wide range of shots and your choice is difficult because, well… you love them all (and if you didn’t choose a photographer wisely, I guess your choice is simple because maybe you only have 1 or 2 ‘good ones’ out of a thousand). Since you would look a little cra cra if you printed every image and hung them on your wall as a shrine, it’s best to narrow it down to an odd number; between 3 and 5 from the same session is reasonable. (or for a more eclectic and curated look, just 1 of your absolute favorites hung with other non-photographic art) There are exceptions to this rule, for example: you’re showing a sequence of images.

above pictures sourced from pinterest

I feel that the photographs you should print and frame should give you an emotion. You will literally walk by this photograph several times a day and you want to feel joy and happiness every time you see it. Not to be confused with a mirror…… a family portrait should not be a mirror. And this is a little controversial, but I feel that the ‘looking at the camera smiling staring’ portraits should be for holiday cards and grandparents ONLY. What kind of memory or feeling does a person staring back at you stir up, exactly??

A creepy one!

So please, for the love of your family and your guests, choose images that tell a story: hugs, kisses, joy, laughter, playing together. Whatever it is that immediately puts you in your happy place.

Besides the fact that these types of portraits are FAR more unique and interesting than your general run-of-the-mill traditional portrait.

beethe 55

And now here we are to my final thoughts on the topic: trusting a pro.

Who is a professional? Someone who is engaged in a profession as a means of livelihood. Hear that? Their livelihood. That means it’s their sole mission to make you (the client) happy as a clam. To make your life easier; to provide a service so you don’t have to. You can spend more time being with those you love Vs. hours of frustration and stress doing something you’re really maybe just so-so at. You shouldn’t need to DIY everything. Go with a pro. Trust a pro. Trust. Trust. Trust. Then you can be happy, carefree, and move onto making your next memory.

Yes, but Stacy, professionals cost more.

Of course they do!

But isn’t it worth it? It’s your family we’re talking about.

Family. is. everything.

no comments
Comment

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *