Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 30: Mounting, Matting and Framing (Optional)

Suggested time: 10-15 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Module 11

Foundational Objectives

To explore a variety of presentation formats that photographers use to display work.
To increase self-confidence through success with photography.
To develop skills related to calculations required to produce photographic products.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To model safety practices in the photography industry. (PSVS, IL)
To strengthen students' understanding of how to compute, measure, estimate and interpret numerical data as it applies to photography framing. (NUM)

Learning Objectives	Notes
30.1 To work safely and carefully with mounting materials. (PSVS)	The blades used to cut the mat board are razor sharp. Make certain to handle mat cutters carefully so as not to damage the exposed blade. Caution students about safety as a dry-mount press used to mount the print is very hot. Follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
30.2 To demonstrate a variety of methods used to mount prints to a mat board. (TL)	Students may work with dry-mount tissue if access to a dry-mount or heat-pressing method is available. As well, other methods to try include: double-sided tape linen tape framer's tape liquid adhesives, including contact adhesive
30.3 To demonstrate the preparation and cutting of an over-mat. (NUM)	For black and white work, the most appropriate window mat would be an off-white, also called Photo-white. Measurements must be done carefully. The outside border is cut square at 90 degrees. The photograph window will have a bevel edge on the inside that opens onto the photograph. The lower edge of the mat window will be fractionally wider than the three other sides. A wider bottom edge gives the impression of proper orientation. Handle over-mats with clean cotton gloves. Oils from the skin can mark the mat surface permanently. Store completed over-mats in clean plastic bags while preparing the framing materials.
30.4 To demonstrate how a display frame is constructed to hang a print.	Metal or wood frames can be used. Metal (generally aluminum) frames are easy to cut and assemble and are relatively inexpensive. Older style wooden frames can be recycled with mats and prints prepared to fit into the frame.
30.5 To assemble a print for display. (IL, PSVS)	As prints are mounted with glass in the front to protect the print, students will need to learn to cut glass safely. They must wear proper eye protection when cutting glass. They should inspect the glass surface to make certain it is not scratched. Students should be supervised by someone with glass cutting experience when cutting glass. Discuss the different types of glass available for picture framing: non-glare, ultraviolet resistant, and window glass. Have the students compare the benefits of using each type of glass.
30.6 To describe how to arrange framed prints for display. (COM)	Student work should be displayed from the earliest opportunity in the class. This will develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, as well as develop their presentation portfolio. (PSVS) Prints are generally displayed with the upper frame edges in a straight line but other placements are possible depending on the photographic content that is being displayed and the space allotted for the display.