If you just need one or two frames, the prices charged by small framing shops may not seem so bad. But if you want to frame a large number of your prints, and especially if you want to do it well so that they last, it can be well worth your time to do it yourself.
Light Impressions is one of the best-known suppliers of archival-grade framing and storage supplies for photographers and other artists. They make a specialty of carrying supplies that are known to be safe for long term display and storage of fragile artworks. For both conventional photographic prints and inkjet prints, acid-free materials and protection from ultraviolet light will greatly extend the life of a print. They have an excellent print catalog, or you can go to their web site, Light Impressions Direct.
If you're looking for lower prices and a wider selection of frame styles and colors, American Frame stocks a broad selection of metal and wood frames, plexiglass, mat boards, and other framing supplies at discount prices. Unlike Light Impressions, they don't specialize in archival storage.
This page written by Josh Putnam. Please feel free to email questions, comments, corrections, suggestions, etc.
© Joshua Putnam