Frame size vs matted print size

I've got to get three prints ready for a small local show. The desired frame size is 17" x 22". Some of the people that are also in the show are going to matte 8.5" x 11" images. That seems small to me but this is the first time for me to put an image in a show. I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. Suggestions or thoughts?

Your desired size is 17 x 22? Personally I think the larger prints look better, but think the smaller 8.5 x 11 will sell more readily. Have you ever thought of printing on canvas, and then putting them on frames. Hahnemuhle stick'n'stretch are very nice for canvas and might be cheaper to produce.

Actually, I'm not sure. I don't think a 17 x 22 print in a 17 x 22 frame is what they are looking for (based on the very little bit of instruction that I've received). I've never put prints out for public display in an art gallery.

Thinking out loud-

(1) A landscape image set in a matte and 17 x 22 frame with landscape orientation will have 3" of border on either side. I will probably use a 3" matte border for the top and that leaves 10-1/2" of matte border on the bottom. Maybe that's normal?

I have to have the framed prints at the gallery by Thursday of this week so I'm working against a tight deadline.

I finally solved my own problem, non-problem actually. I took some time to build a little spreadsheet to help me with layout of the matte vs print size vs print borders and a few other things.

For the two landscape prints I stuck with 8-1/2" x 11"
The single portrait print is 11" x 14"

Here's a screenshot (sort of) of the sheet. Blue cells are inputs. Everything else is calculated. Offset parameters are for if you want to increase the matte opening an amount that is larger than the image (like for a signature space at the bottom). The little section to the right labled: w/ 1/2" TS and 1" B Border is to calculate the amount of canvas to add to the print. 1/2"TS is my shorthand for add 1/2" to the top and each side. 1"B is to add 1" to the bottom for signature space. I hard coded those values. I could easily add cells and calc it but from what I've read the values are fairly normal. Basically I crop the image to the print dimensions. Add 1" of white canvas and then crop to the TS&B value paying attention to getting a white border 1/2" on the top and side and 1" along the bottom. Of course none of that is necessary if you stick with the parameters in the w/o offset column

You did really well on the calculations.. you gave me a good idea on how decide print sizes, print borders and etc.. i do like larger prints since it looks better because it is enlarge...

After seeing the prints hanging I will definitely print larger next time. Printing itty bitty might have worked for Ansel Adams... but "I ain't no Ansel Adams". The show opens in a month. It should be interesting.

I don't think there is a way to attach spreadsheets to posts but if someone wants the one that I made they are welcome to it. Or maybe a Mod can attach it.

How large will you go?

I use MatWorks free software to work out my borders. You can try several different scenarios to see what works best for you. Just takes a few minutes to realize what is being asked for.

http://www.gt-photography.com/matworks.html

Matworks looks pretty nice but my PC is having issues and it doesn't run on a Mac.

Steve- 13 x 19 print in a 17 x 22 frame is about right for the gallery that I get to hang my work in. I guess the size depends on where the art is hanging and what the subject is.

Product won't register correctly on a PC so the install was aborted.