How to do a small grouping of pictures?

casuallady · ‎03-09-2010

We had a photographer do an updated family pictures and many other pictures of us with Grandkids.

We currently have a beach family picture on the wall that we love, only 2 younger grandkids weren't born yet, also the other 2 have grown older. We also have 2 wedding pictures one of our Son and Wife, and also us with them. The fourth picture is our daughter and her family.

The background is a medium wood, since we live in a loghome. I am thinking take down all pictures and use the new family picture in the center, add a really cute funny picture of hubby and I with 4 grandkids all around us, the 3rd picture would be our Son's family and 4th our daughter's family. Another option is to use a cute picture of 3 granddaughters as the 4rd and one of our grandson as the 4th. He is 18 months and they came out cute, but didn't get a good picture of the 4 except with hubby and I. I an thinking either thin weathered goldish frames, white weathered shabby frames or a thin dark frame. Another thought is frameless or floating. I still may update pictures of grandkids on the mantel. Confused I am. I know it is difficult, but I am getting there just brainstorming.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I would go to somewhere that they make custom frames - they will try several different colors of frames on the pictures and you can see which ones you like best. You could also take them to the area in a Hobby Lobby where they make custom frames and try different ones. I think in a picture group of photos all frames the same would be better.

Libbylady · ‎03-09-2010

Hi Casuallady, I am a custom framer of 43 years and have helped many clients do picture collections. There isn't one right answer, however I will offer some suggestions on a picture wall that will be growing in the future.

Frames go out of production fairly regularly so I'd suggest you talk to a good framer (not the big M, HL or ACM) and ask for a frame that has been in stock for a long time, not something brand new. There is too much chance a newbie could be discontinued in 2-3 years.

I had frames that were a "flash in the pan" and lots of fun to work with, but didn't stay very long in distributor's stock. For a grouping that will grow over time, I'd choose a very simple frame (a "cap frame") in a solid color.

Frames that are weathered or have paint techniques will quite often come in looking very different than stock from a year ago. You run the risk of not having matching frames even though the frame # is the same.

I used to carry ready-made frames, but unless all your pictures are a standard size, your mats will end up with all different widths.

One thing that might help your pictures look like a grouping would be to have each photo matted in a common color. Again, ask your framer for a good constant color.

Let's say that you choose a soft white mat that is 2 1/2 inches wide, remember that about 1/4 of your mat will be covered by the frame. If you are looking for some color you could have a liner mat of about 1/4" peeking out of the main mat.

This liner color could be customized for each picture and highlight a color in the photo. Overall, keep the outer mats all the same width. Ask your framer to look in her scrap mats for these colored mats. She will probably help you on the price for small liner mats. Mat board comes 32X40" and you don't want to purchase full sheets if you don't have to.

I hope you can find a local framer who has been around a while. Many have basement shops or small store fronts and do it for the love of framing. The personal service you'll get is worth every coupon in a newspaper flyer.

I hope this was helpful for you, it's 2:30am and I need to get off and get some sleep!!

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

Once you have everything framed the way you like, I suggest that before you start hanging them on one wall, that you lay them out on the floor and move them around until you have a pattern you are happy with. Then take a photo and hang them one at a time, of course, according to the layout on the floor. Then once they are on the wall, photograph that wall with all the framed pictures and SAVE that photo.

My husband and I did just that when we had many pieces of artwork to place on one huge wall. At the time we repainted the walls and took the pictures down, we then referred to the photograph and rehung them in the same spots, when the paint was dry.

I still have that original photo and all that artwork is still on that wall.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

I would cut out paper in the shapes of your photos and lightly tape them to the wall in the arrangement that looks good. I'm a visual person though, I have to see it in order to make a decision.

"Pure Michigan"

casuallady · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for the responses. I do not have a large wall to do pictures. I have large walls in my house, but very few people would see them. We have an open floor plan in our greatroom and dining area with a fireplace, bow window, 2 windows. I am sure you all understand. This will be a small grouping, also I might want to change the pictures in the future. How do I make sure the pictures are straight and stay straight? Hubby will help me with the hanging. I definitely want to use matching frames and matching matting that will compliment the pictures. My desire is to have the viewer see the picture more than the frame or matting. Since all the pictures were taken at the same time, that should be easy.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

Well, you could do some individual frames, like these clearance ones.

Weathered Wood Frames

Or, how about a collage frame? Then the work is done for you already.

Savannah Collage Frame Miranda Collage Frame Window Clip Frame - White Yellow Collage Frame

casuallady · ‎03-09-2010

On 8/4/2014 lolakimono said:
Well, you could do some individual frames, like these clearance ones.

Or, how about a collage frame? Then the work is done for you already.

I am liking the one on the bottom, where did you find these? Great idea outsize the box.