How I'm Turning my Photography in to Works of Art

[@wpotrebkaphotography]

A tip for frameless prints. Print it with a small white border, cut the foam board oversized. Then trim the print and the foam board at the same time, after you have stuck the print to the board.

[@amalieemmynoether992]

Good tip!

[@juanQuedo]

Glad to see someone doing it the right way 😆

[@garyverstick1620]

Was going to say the same. One add-on - use an xacto knife to trim. Its essentially a scalpel, so be careful.

[@HarneyPhoto]

Best way to make sure its a perfect edge.

[@_thomaslemke_]

I would do it the same. Print the picture with bleed and cutting marks. Trim it. Cut it. BAM!

[@tombekistan]

The Bob Ross of photography. Every bit whispers the love for the craft. And, in doing so, the joy of being alive.

[@1958zed]

Great video. It took me back to my days of working in a frame shop framing art way back in 1994/1995. It was perhaps one of the most fun and interesting jobs I had, as every piece that walked through the door was a different challenge. We would typically dry mount the image to a backing board (if the process didn't ever have to be reversed), and then put a mat over it. Two suggestions: 1. At 9:40 in the video, you taped down all four sides of the image to the back of the mat. When you do that, you aren't allowing the print to expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity, and it can buckle showing slight waves in the paper. It's best to simply tape the image down only at the top and let it hang freely within the mat's window, that way it can expand and contract without buckling. 2. I know these were inexpensive projects and it's not readily apparent to me, but you may want to use archival mounting tape to mount the print to the mat. The adhesive on non-archival tape could damage the print over time.

[@MurrayLivingston]

Noticed the same things when I was watching; I would also suggest people take these steps. Also printing the images with a generous white border (he had heaps of space left on that a3 sheet) helps with keeping the prints flat in the mounts, as well as not having to crop in to the image. You then also have the option to leave a white border around the image before the mount. I didn't include any of this in my original comment because as you say its more of a fun inexpensive project, but no harm in doing things to the best quality whenever possible.

[@kathyjurgens7153]

These are very helpful suggestions to those of us who might like to try this with our own prints. thank you : )

[@PMcDonnell]

For anyone not yet confident with their mount/matt cutting I'd suggest they make the print first then cut the matt overlay to fit.

[@MrMonikerjay]

Right. I learned when doing my own show and printing, mounting and framing them all myself because one, I wanted to learn, and two, I wanted to make it as "handmade" and authentic as possible. I would make a hinge at the top of the matting then apply tape to the underside of the print and fasten with a piece across those pieces forming a "T" shape. Then closing the mat over the print and fastening the corners with adhesive tape gun. All kinds of ways to do it but this one looked best to me.

[@lottesimonsphotography8675]

The micro print is obscenely cute! Thanks for reminding us that it's not all about going big to make a statement piece. Great video.

[@havocproltd]

Right!?! Now I know what to do with all of the mat board scraps!

[@Allthemusicmaking]

Mr Heaton, I want to thank you. You know, for years I struggled learning to drive. My instructors had no passion, then I met Rob. Like you, he was calm, clear and concise in his teaching. You remind me of him in so many ways. I've been a photographer for years and always wanted to make a living from it. I had zero comfidence. You're the first person I've found who exudes passion, which can't be trained. I'm on fire after watching this video. I'm actually excited again and my own passion has been ignited. Sincerely, thank you! Subscribed to you! 🙏

[@joepayne5697]

Don't usually comment on videos like this, but this is one of my favourite videos from you in a while (not to say recent content has been lacking, but this is certainly unique and interesting)

[@nomadcompany]

agreed

[@SteveP_2426]

Agree too

[@sebxiou-creatbus1927]

Great to see you teaching, again, Tom (as opposed to travelling / camping / feeding). Teaching is what brought me to your channel some years ago and I think it is when you are at your best. I love it when you are out in the field explaining how to photograph or at your desk, showing post-production. This is slightly different and great. Thanks.

[@heathersheldrick9751]

Thanks for doing this video - very helpful. I also agree that MPB is the Go-To place for trading gear. Their customer service is second to none.

[@garrymacdonald5576]

I have that mat cutter and it's great. There is a line already engraved on the head at the back. This is what you line up for the start and finish off the cut. It can be seen in the video. It's a great video by the way, thanks for the great ideas

[@davidthomas670]

Best video you've ever done, Just brilliant.

[@Stone1108]

We’ll Done Thomas, I thoroughly enjoyed this video, a lovely twist on the Heaton format. What I also like is how it’s provoked so much input from your subscribers and viewers, it’s really engaged a lot of people from whom there is also some great advice on this aspect of photography which, let’s face it, we all to often forsake which is such a waste of terabytes, and some…, of images globally. Thank you Thomas and all. 👏

[@stevemcguinness2646]

Great Video Tom, something completely different 👍

[@diegaulle9143]

Logan has a brand called Foam Works. They have a foam cutter system with a dedicated ruler. Cuts come out perfect and you can trim the print together with the foam board.

[@yashanbasnayake4338]

Tom, your enthusiasm in this video is priceless!

[@MrAlexander1955]

Hi Thomas. I might not be saying your grandfather, but certainly a father. I have been following in silence for years all the videos that I love very much. Also I am a photographer, and also a dreamer painter. I have always framed, made the passepartout, and the frames by myself . Start with a Logan. You are a great artist, now you make fine art prints. I recommend acid free passepartout, as well as the supports where you paste the photos. All acid free. Since I really follow you all the time, in my small way I took the liberty of giving advice.Don't take offense.A warm greeting from a small island in Italy.Capri.

[@johndub6543]

You know the difference between an amateur vs professional artist by the tool they use to sign their prints/mats. Good job.

[@BalnarringMusos]

What a great idea and how to make it all work and sell. Well done Thomas.

[@scotty4418]

That was a pleasure to watch Thomas and it was fantastic to see another additional side to your craftsmanship

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Your point about printing photographs is well made. I’ve been printing and displaying my astrophotography for a while now. I saw a video of yours going back a few years and you opined then on the value of putting our work on a wall. Great message. Enjoyed the arts and crafts time with Tom. Thanks Sir.

[@denisesavage2382]

Who needs diamond earrings - definitely an over rated gift alongside these ideas! Great ideas.

[@DJPixelList]

Super tutorial..especially the bit about cutting the bevel on the matt. Very informative video..thank you. David.

[@Boatzerama]

Excellent, I really like the floating photo in the box frame.📷👍🏼

[@junerobinson8169]

What a brilliant video, I have learnt so much. Thank you for taking the time to show me how to do them.

[@brianmckeever5280]

You just seem to be very relaxed and enjoying yourself. It's enjoyable to be taken along for the fun.

[@MurrayLivingston]

Hey Tom: on your mount cutter, theres a line/indent on the opposite side to the blade which you line up at your beginning and end points. Hope that helps! Murray

[@droeder2836]

I was going to say the same thing

[@Mark-qn9xl]

You beat me to it. I use the same cutter

[@havocproltd]

@@droeder2836 I did!

[@daniscally770]

One of your best. I just sat here grinning the whole time. Thanks .

[@dannyhead5287]

For the floating image, try doing a reverse bevel and the float-edge will not show.

[@heikoharders]

Hello Thomas, I enjoyed this video very much! A couple of years ago I invested in a printer and mat cutting tools. It adds so much more to the process! Nice to see a video showing this. I'd like to see more of this every now and then.

[@stephenjuk8910]

I recently just got my Classic Collection set off prints from you. They look amazing!

[@davidskinner274]

Thomas, what a great idea, yes, I will be having a go at this

[@JoshMainka]

Great video and kudos to mpb for reaching out to you. I've used them many times and they're an excellengt company to deal with.

[@nelehoremans2546]

great push towards printing and enjoying our own work Thomas! And the whole video made me instantly smile because of your enthusiasm!

[@alanevans9246]

Thomas, Great suggestions! I know I get caught up in the frenzy of looking for one great image to print big which is expensive and more importantly, i never seem to find…. Years ago, when I first got started in photography, i did exactly what you spoke about today and your reminder as to how much fun it is to be that creative on a budget brought back lots of memories and has re-inspired me to start down this path once again! Thanks and as always, keep snapping!

[@toeinthewater28]

Good tip about asking framers for offcuts. I had a crossstitch sampler to stretch and frame and was given 2 acid-free mounting board pieces, cut roughly to size, for a donation to their charity box! For fellow UK-ers, for that project I got a black box frame from ASDA. About £3 for a 10x8 inch approx picture. Thanks for the timely video, Thomas! Laura

[@jasonbevan6275]

Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed that video. I always try to finish my best photography with a print and those were really creative ideas for something new!

[@MrKrupp42]

They are superb mate , the floating one is spot on , looks so good !!

[@tduke91]

I was only thinking the other day that I don't have enough of my work on my walls and then...BAM!! your vid comes along. Inspirational to say the least I have just purchased all the cutting kit and will be off to the shops today. Thank you once again !!!

[@gonzphotographymusicchanne2855]

Brilliant, simply putting the fun back into photography, thank you Thomas we need more of this and less of the latest gear channels that are getting out of hand, love your vids always

[@havocproltd]

The fun!! darn tootin'! first I was just getting a kick out of giving friends prints! Then it was matting and framing. My son said NO MORE 17 x 22 prints of my granddaughter! Now, with retirement looming momma and i are thinking of loading up the RV and trying our hand at the farts and craps circuit!

[@royottaway9434]

Excellent Thomas , I like the small one on the easel and the emboss one .

[@hankfoto]

Thank you! I like this idea print them up in different sizes, mount and price them. Once again thank you.

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

Nice to see the younger generation cutting matts by hand. It’s an important skill set to mat and frame your work. Many of us older artists were doing this back in the 1970s. Cutting mats with and exacto knife and metal ruler was a fun part of printing silver gelatin prints in the darkroom and completing a finished piece of artwork!

[@TomStrazulla]

Great tutorial. Addresses one of the hardest issues for me, moving the image from the computer to the print without compromising the image. Thanks.

[@corydhmiller]

This was dope! Lots of creative ideas flowing. Thanks Thomas, you're the best.

[@itaylorm]

I really like the frameless technique. Really helpful demo thank you

[@eileenconragan1064]

Thomas you are a riot and informative, too. So psyched cause I have been putting my time into printing and framing lately and I am so excited about it and I really enjoyed your ideas, etc. Cutting my own mats has given me such independence. When I had two simple mats cut at the store, I walked out paying $90. That was my motivation. I also purchased board but instead of self adhesive board (didnt know it existed) I bought a spray which is a bit tricky to use. My ultimate goal is to create frameless prints and mount them onto the board and then a stand-out frame that I would have to make from scratch. So many projects, so little time. Better buy her a diamond "something" - sorry that is a cute photo on the stand but doesnt quite cut it. 😃

[@jamesburke9568]

very cool. Thank you Thomas

[@OllyHitchen]

I made 12 individual mini easels, one for each table at our wedding evening do by printing onto canvas inkjet paper and gluing them on thin foam board. Each pic was from a different place from our travels and the guests loved them. 😀

[@BradMangas]

Very enjoyable video Thomas. Thanks for the great ideas. Take care fella.

[@samdensleyphotography]

You’ve got some KZbin content range Tom! Love these little gems along the way!

[@LarryManiccia]

Good stuff! Love the floating print. Somethinng a little different for sure.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

On form with this video Thomas.

[@pauln44]

I finally picked up a printer a few months back and I've been thinking about mounting and framing. So thanks for this.

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Ive started to like the way the mount is a lot bigger at the bottom than the top, really nice, thankyou.

[@theohembury7249]

Very nice and different video. Pleased to see another print/framing video of yours

[@gary.kenyon]

Really enjoyed that Thomas. Great watch and lovely frames you made.

[@SasidharPamganamamula]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video - your infrared image really looks terrific framed like that.

[@mikearmstrong7956]

Awesome, Great Ideas!! Tom

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I am inspired. I know that my immediate family loves my photos. I like theirs's too.

[@neilcole3406]

Brilliant Thomas, some fantastic ideas for framing your prints at a reasonable affordable price!

[@georgecannon151]

This video is so great! I would ,I’ve more of these types of fun videos from you. Keep up the good work!

[@pathogan4854]

Great video Thomas you have my creative cogs turning ! I think IL photo a pair of Diamond earings and print and mount it for "her indoors " sorted.😀🤣

[@victor-ferreira]

Absolutely fantastic ideas!!! Thanks Thomas!!!!

[@Colinpowellphotography]

Wow!! Three pound from Wilco. Man, you must make a good living 🤣. I guess that's the mother in-law sorted for Christmas for the next three years. Seriously good one Tom.

[@debbscustomengravings5226]

MPB is very good. I have used them several times, mainly to buy lenses but also once to sell a lens. Great video, and some great ideas.

[@andyallard5990]

That was excellent really enjoyable it’s good to see your skill set.

[@rogerdunn5988]

Top video. Makes a change from the usual excellent fare.

[@stevebanks484]

Excellent video - Thanks Thomas 👏. I have all the materials and gear (including a mount cutter which I inherited from my dad) but I had the same problem as you - how to judge when to stop the cutter precisely. Great tip, thank you 👍

[@michelleanntolentino163]

Just bought soft soft! So excited to get started!!

[@pjg1309]

I love that floating photo idea!! I will be doing this! Great job as well!

[@zeballos5757]

Great video! Thanks. Love the one on the small easel.

[@DavidHarrisGRI]

I enjoyed this more than I expected to. 😄

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Enjoyed this one Thomas, very creative, thanks for sharing.

[@peterbuitelaar8543]

Nice work. I still use my Rotring 600 that I bought in the 1980’s but also some later models I bought are fine.

[@heiser_bill]

I’ve gotten pre-cut self-adhesive gator board, which I like because it’s rigid and can work well for frameless display. I’ve found foam board to warp if not secured in a frame. The only thing is isn’t not acid-free, so probably not suitable for using on work to be sold.

[@charlenenagel7962]

Wonderful video - I really appreciated the ideas! Thank you!

[@aderixon]

From chastened experience, it's wiser to use a steel craft ruler with a grip for ordinary (not mat window) line cutting. The mat ruler is only aluminium and is easily damaged by a knife. Also, you neglected to highlight the no. 1 gotcha with the mat cutter: make sure the bevelled edge will face the right way (i.e. ensure the ruler is the right side of your line)! I think we've all carefully measured and trimmed a mount, only to then cut the window out back to front. Some of us (ahem) may even have done this more than once.

[@openroadfootprint]

or done it, and found one or two of the cuts was the wrong way ;) hahaha i remember my first one and i kept moving the mat to have the closest side to the cut, not realising i was therefore creating the bevel differently! :D actually took me a couple to realise I never kept it to the right each time!

[@havocproltd]

that's why I just went ahead and bought the whole mat cutting "thing". Just safer for me. The bigger stuff obviously needs different tools....

[@lizzietheoldbiddy262]

Fantastic video, thanks. Such good ideas that I can't wait to try at home.

[@venturebounty]

cool, I wouldn't mind more video like this.

[@stevemeier7876]

Thomas ...looks so excited to be doing this....so funny to watch...lol

[@harrykaravias4823]

Loved this Thomas.

[@tbillington]

I really like the offset mat idea

[@sasha_in_chicago]

Long time viewer, think 1st time commenter. Thanks for the great ideas. I like the “in the field” videos but this was a great change of pace video.

[@rcarder2093]

Great video! I REALLY like the floating mount! You have inspired me again.

[@danielrossi6122]

HI Thomas thanks for the inspiration well done daniel

[@fotticelli]

In the US mounting is gluing the print to a mounting board which is a thick, stiff cardboard. It's done using, hopefully, archival materials both the boards and the adhesive. Most high end prints are mounted using hot mounting press and the adhesive which comes in thin sheets that melt and when heated and create a strong bond after cooling. The process is repeated for the mat. You can look up the exact numbers but the heat is within the range compared to an iron set to low heat (before it starts steaming), the pressure is 10-30 lb, and the time about 5 minutes. I don't think hot press mounting is used much anymore but that is where the vocabulary comes from. It was necessary for gallery work using old style photo sensitive paper which was coated with gelatin. Gelatin absorbed moisture and expanded at a different rate than the paper and caused the photograph to bulge or swell and required to be attached to a more sturdy medium. Modern high end inkjet papers don't have that problem and smaller sizes can be "floated" when framed. They are thick and stay flat.

[@Vaibhav_Shah]

I could watch this all day!

[@user-oo5ik7jn1n]

Nice video again! For frameless mounting i use kapa fix. It ist also foam board with adhesive on one side. I cut them a bit lager than the photograph the put to the potograph on it and cut away the foamboard. Never tried to add a cardboard around the image. Willl try it.

[@jasonmach6548]

I really liked this video, I’ve been thinking more lately about what to do with the photos I’ve taken and it was helpful and interesting. Also, “you want to place the hamster down to keep it there” is the best instruction I’ve ever heard in a video 😂

[@outdoorsinontario3037]

Very cool! Different and a good change up. Well done!

[@rymack5715]

Fantastic video and great tips!! Thanks Tom!

[@Ugbadboy]

This has really inspired me! Thanks Thomas

[@philipsutton8921]

It's funny how biggest is not always best. I liked the little one the most - it really stood out!

[@SebastianPastry]

Wasn’t expecting this and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@HydrateOften]

Great video! Thank you for sharing these ideas.

[@liambuchanan8589]

Great to see Monty again. Has been awhile since he has shown up in one of your videos. Really cool video with some interesting ideas. Cheers for the inspiration.

[@philippr8600]

Great ideas, thanks for sharing!

[@bruce-le-smith]

Thank you for your service Hammy

[@matesberka1697]

Thank you. TNice tutorials is really helpful. Much respect

[@mattorrz759]

They look brilliant 👌

[@swirly_magnolia]

Thanks Tom. Very useful little video. Foam board ordered let’s give it a bash