Getting it Right - The Art of Presentation
In the second of her articles on mount cutting, Helen Longridge takes a look at the art of presentation.
Why Mount an Image?
In the last blog we looked at the evolution of the mount cutter. The rest of this series focuses on why we need one – to present your images in style!
Photography is slightly different to artistry in that many artwork mediums do not require a mount. You can stretch a canvas behind a frame and that is sufficient; photographs are easily soiled and require protection from the elements and greasy fingers.
Put an image directly behind a frame – this will appear trapped. Provide the image with space, give it a mount, and enable it to breath and capture its audience.
The Thought Process
As a photographer, what is essential is to know the value of what you have created.
You may have a selection of pieces which you are especially proud of and these are the ones you wish to put on display. Challenge yourself and ask:
- What is it that I want people to see?
- What is my message to others?
- What is the meaning behind my work?
When you realise this, you will find it much easier to select a style of mount to suit your work.
- If you want someone to see a key feature, then a step mount could be a good option
- If you wish to bring out the light, have a think about the mount colour
- To create depth, use a double or triple mount
- For an intense and detailed image, perhaps stick to a simple single equal-bordered mount
- If it is a combination of numerous images, then a multiple aperture would be ideal
The mount is there to enhance your image, rather than to overwhelm it; use it to your benefit.
Tips for your Workshop
- Keep three or four colours of board in stock
- Have some mount template sizes to hand
- Print your images to a set size
NB. Black and white are very popular but these come in a variety of shades. Keep things simple - if you have template mount sizes, it saves time when measuring up a new mount.
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