In 1826, a French physicist named Joseph Nicephore Niepce took the worlds first photograph. In 2024, that photograph to the average human is a blurry distorted view of the landscape outside of a window. However, in the world of photography it represents the beginning of an era, the start of a profession, an expressive art form and the revolutionary power of human innovation. Since that day, there have been many advancements in the art of photography. There is one thing that remains: the beauty and simplicity of black and white photography. So how can you take something as iconic as a black and white photo and enhance its elegance and appeal? Framing black and white photographs can turn them into a striking focal point in any room.
Selecting the Right Frame for Black and White Photos
When it comes to framing photographs the general rule of thumb is to choose a frame that compliments the colors in the photograph and the location of where you are placing the framed image. With black and white photos, there aren’t “colors” in the general sense of the word for frame options.
Black and white photographs consist of different shades and tints of black and white. In the age of film, the darker you wanted an area, the longer you would expose that area to light on the print, and for areas that you wanted to be lighter you’d expose that area less. In today’s digital world, there is more forgiveness when it comes to this process thanks to editing software like Adobe Photoshop. So, if you adopt the traditional method of choosing the right frame by the colors in the photograph, you would be left framing black and white photographs in black, white or grey frames. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this approach, it’s also not the only option for framing black and white photographs!
Think outside the box: Framing Black and White Photographs
With a general blank canvas that is a black and white photograph, your options for framing are endless. The safe option by far is sticking with a black or white frame. We’re here to offer you another option when it comes to framing black and white photography. Instead of using the colors within your photograph, consider looking at the photograph subject to decide on your frame. For black and white photographs that consist of buildings, cars, or other similar subjects, consider opting for a metallic frame such as an old-world pewter or gold metal frame. Black and White photographs that feature nature scenes or people lend themselves well to natural wood frames. If you know the general colors that exist in the location of the photo, consider opting for a colored frame!
Creative Matting for Black and White Photographs
If you are looking for a statement piece that sticks with the traditional black or white frame, the best place to start is with the width of your mat. Even when sticking with a black frame and a white mat, increasing the width of the mat itself will wildly affect how the finished piece looks on your wall. Increasing the width of the mat also allows you to display smaller photographs in a larger frame. The width of mats determines the size of the frame that you need to order. When it comes to wide mats, we recommend keeping the widths even all the way around. If you would prefer to have uneven widths, we recommend ordering a mat that has a weighted bottom. Weighted mats mean that the image sits either towards the top or towards the bottom. Weighted bottom mats are more common and generally display better on a wall.
Framing black and white photographs with a Pop of color!
There are options for those of you who are looking to add more color to your space without the commitment of a full colored frame. Instead of ordering just a single mat, opt for a double or triple mat. By selecting a white top mat with a colored bottom mat you will get a small pop of color. This method won’t overshadow your photo but will still offer a unique personalized touch to your space.
At the end of the day, framing anything is incredibly personal, framing black and white photographs is no exception. Regardless of which option you consider for your next photo shoot, framing with Frame USA frames means your exceptional photograph will be framed with exceptional frames.
