Setting up a shot for printing specific size

[Kell]

I've got some shots I like enough to get printed out, but am wondering on the best way to setting them up.

In an ideal world, I'd get them mounted in a frame at the same time, but it's a much bigger expense than buying a print and mounting it into an existing frame.

So I have a frame and it's already got a mount - obviously can go in without the mount if required.

Overall size is 30x40 (11 3/4 x 15 3/4) and the mount is 21x30 (8 1/4 x 11 3/4)

Do I ask for a print with a small border to fit in the mount i.e. 12x9 and not have much surround? Or do I set up a PS document to the full size of the frame, and place the picture in a box with a much bigger white border so that it shows through the mount?

Slightly confused as to which is the best option.

Any pointers gratefully received.

 

[Nod]

I'd talk to whoever's going to produce the print and ask their advice. I'd HOPE that they'd print to the size you specify the image to be but I'd check.

 

[sk66]

Generally you create the file to be printed as-is; with the border as part of the image. You don't need the print/paper the full size of the frame, but you do need it to be larger than the mount opening. You secure the print to the mount board using acid free hinge/mounting tape. It's easiest to have the mount opening overlay the image area slightly, but if the subject doesn't suit that you can have a white border showing instead.

 

[Kell]

Thanks both. I'm trying to think of a way to supply and ensure nothing gets cropped.

I was going to try One Vision, but wanted to see how the prints are before spending on getting a frame as the prints are about £4 and the framed prints are about £60 more.

 

[sk66]

I'm trying to think of a way to supply and ensure nothing gets cropped.

A good way is to expand the image and include an unimportant perimeter that can be overlayed by the matboard. I.e. Either crop looser to start with, or add image area/content in post. It's a lot easier than mounting a print exactly centered in the matboard opening.