Month: October 2023
Once you understand the basics of picture frame sizes, you will never have trouble finding the right frame size again.Whether you’re new to photography or just never understood picture frame sizes, this article will teach you the basics about picture frame sizes and help you always select the right frame size for your photo.
Picture Frame Size Basics
There are many different picture frame sizes, but they are typically grouped into standard (also called common) and non-standard sizes.Standard sized frames, like 4×6, 5×7 or 8×10 picture frames, are the most common sizes that you often see sitting on a table or hanging on the wall. The term standard frame size refers to the typical sizes available with printed photographs.
Normally with photo frames the size refers to the size of the picture opening and not the exterior dimensions of the frame. In the United States, picture frame sizes are always measured in inches.In other parts of the world they are measured in centimeters.
Picture frame sizes are always measured: width by height.If your picture measures 8 inches wide x 10 inches high you will need an 8 x 10 picture frame. If you have a photo that is 7×5, youll need a 7×5 picture frame. Keep in mind that 7×5 frames can only be used horizontally, while a 5×7 frame can be used horizontally or vertically. The same holds true for 6×4 frames and 10×8 frames compared to 4×6 and 8×10 frames. It will be helpful to remember that 6×4, 7×5 and 10×8 frames can only be used horizontally, while 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10 picture frames can generally go either horizontal or vertical.
When selecting the right picture frame, there are two things you should consider: the photo size your picture frame holds and how the picture frame can be displayed.
1) Knowing the Actual Photo Size Your Picture Frame Holds
It is important to emphasize that the picture frame size is not the overall exterior dimension of the frame but instead the actual photo size that the frame will hold. This is an important difference and is often the cause of confusion. To quickly determine if your frame will hold your photo, you can measure the inner area of the frame where the picture is held. However, this will always give you a smaller measurement than what the actual frame will hold. Thats because every frame has an interior lip that holds the glass and can vary in size. So, if you want a more accurate measurement to know the exact photo size your frame will hold, youll have to remove the frame backing to correctly measure it.
If you want to measure a frame correctly, you have to open it up by removing the frame back.On the inside of the frame there is a ledge that holds the picture and glass. All you do is measure the opening where the glass fits (or measure the glass itself) and youll have the correct size of the photo that will fit in your picture frame.
2) How You Picture Frame Can Be Used
It is important to know whether a picture frame can be displayed horizontally, vertically, or both. Always check this because there are some picture frame sizes that are only designed to be displayed in one direction.Most unique shaped frames, like heart shaped picture frames, can only be displayed one way. An easy way to check is to look at the mounting hardware on the back of the frame to see how the frame can be displayed.
Picture Frame Sizes
Below are some of the most common picture frame sizes. These are for frames that hold a single picture:
2 1/2 x 3 1/2 – wallet size
3 x 5
4×6
4×10 and 4×12 – panoramic picture frames
6×4
5×5
5×7
7×5
6×8
8×8, 10×10 and 12×12 – scrapbook frames
8×10
10×8
8 x 11
11×14
16×20
20×24
If you are looking for a frame that will hold multiple pictures, there are double picture frames, triple picture frames and collage picture frames in a variety of sizes. These all come in standard frame sizes but have more than one picture frame opening.
Picture frames are available in non-standard sizes but there just will be a much smaller selection and will likely be harder to find exactly what you want. If youre looking for a specific size, you can always ask a frame retailer for additional assistance or you can look to have a custom frame made.If you’re trying to find an inexpensive frame in a non-standard size and want to avoid having a custom frame made, you can use a picture frame mat that holds your photo in a standard frame.
Now that you have a better understanding of picture frame sizes, you will hopefully save time, energy and money when picking out your perfect picture frame.
If you love a photographer, then you’ll want to print a copy of this list. These are the most wished for books on Amazon. This means there is probably a book or two on this list your photographer would love. Save yourself some time by using this list as a shopping list. Your photographer will love you for it.
1. National Geographic Image Collection by National Geographic, Michelle Anne Delaney, Maura Mulvihill (5.0 out of 5 stars)
Behind National Geographic’s worldwide reputation as a powerhouse of photography lies one of the finest, most extensive, and most unique graphic resources on Earth: the National Geographic Image Collection. For the first time ever, readers will plumb the fascinating depths of this immense archive from the earliest photographs collected in the late 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today.
2. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 by Scott Kelby (4.3 out of 5 stars)
This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot and you asked me, ‘Hey Scott, I want the light for this portrait to look really soft and flattering. How far back should I put this softbox?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture about lighting ratios, or flash modifiers. In real life, I’d just turn to you and say, ‘Move it in as close to your subject as you possibly can, without it actually showing up in the shot.’
3. VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography by David duChemin (4.9 out of 5 stars)
A book for any photographer who’s ever felt compelled to combine their craft with the world of commerce and make the transition to becoming a vocational photographer. More like a sketchbook of ideas and wisdom than it is a system to get rich quick on photography, VisionMongers takes a look at the changing landscape of professional photography and the various journeys that can be taken to get there.
4. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David duChemin (4.8 out of 5 stars)
A book about finding and expressing your photographic vision, specifically where people, places, and cultures are concerned. A personal book full of real-world wisdom and incredible images, author David duChemin (of pixelatedimage.com) shows you both the how and the why of finding, chasing, and expressing your vision with a camera to your eye.
5. The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman (4.6 out of 5 stars)
Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs.
6. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 by Scott Kelby (4.6 out of 5 stars)
In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he’s got full chapters on his most requested topics.
7. The Moment It Clicks: Photography Secrets From One of the World’s Top Shooters by Joe McNally (4.2 out of 5 stars)
Joe McNally, one of the world’s top pro digital photographers, breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done-blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.
You don’t want to miss out on the rest of the list. Check out 10 Best Photography Books. I’m sure you’ll find something your photographer will love. And guess who gets the credit….you.
“I just love it. How did you know?”