Articles, Tips, And Tutorials: Tutorials

Custom Framing Your Photography Print

Professional custom framing elevates your photography to a higher level of refinement. A beautiful wooden frame adds sophistication, warmth, and presence to your space, whether it blends seamlessly with your interior décor or stands out as a statement piece.

Fine art landscape and nature photography is an incredibly dynamic medium, and framing your limited edition print with a rich, museum-quality wooden frame enhances its depth, meaning, and permanence.

Collage of woodworking tools, people and picture frame samples for custom photo framing. — A sample of picture frames available for your fine art photography print.

If the thought of choosing a frame feels intimidating, don’t worry. I provide professional guidance for every framed artwork in my collection, removing the inconvenience and expense of finding a third-party framer.

Framing is one of the best ways to personalize your print and enhance its value and visual impact.

Which Print Styles Are Available With Framing?

Lumachrome® TruLife® Acrylic Prints

These prints are my most highly recommended for framing. I offer a full range of external frames for these prints, deleting the standard recessed floating frame and incorporating a custom frame with a secure D-ring hanging system.

A very large framed abstract photographic print of water ripples hangs on a concrete wall above a leather and wood bench. — This spectacular abstract print is a 'Charity Edition' Lumachrome® TruLife® acrylic, framed with a luxurious Roma® Tabacchino Dark Ash Italian wood frame combined with a black linen liner.

These framed works are called Charity Editions because a portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to CPAWS, supporting the protection of public lands, oceans, and wildlife.

ChromaLuxe® HD Metal Prints

These prints are designed to be frameless only. I do not provide external framing for metal prints, but it is possible to order them without the hidden floating frame if you intend to frame them yourself.

Fujicolor® Pearl Paper Prints

Paper prints are shipped rolled in a tube. Framing is not a service I provide for paper prints, and customers must use their own local framing shop. Paper prints are ideal for smaller sizes (up to 45” on the long side), and for larger artwork, acrylic or metal prints may be a better choice. Overseas customers often benefit from paper prints, as they can be rolled for more cost-effective shipping.

Can You Frame A ChromaLuxe® HD Print Yourself?

Yes, it is possible, but these prints are designed to be frameless. A recessed floating frame on the back creates the illusion of the artwork “floating” on your wall.

If you want to add an external frame, contact me at the time of ordering so I can remove the rear floating frame and adjust the signature/edition placement. Placing glass over metal prints is not recommended, as it adds glare without benefit.

For a fully framed piece without these complications, I recommend a Charity Edition framed Lumachrome® TruLife® acrylic print, with access to the complete Roma® and Omega® catalogs. This saves time, money, and reduces the risk of damage during third-party framing.

Store-bought Versus Custom Framing

Standard frames from craft or box stores are inexpensive but often made from non-archival materials that can yellow or damage your artwork over time. Included glass can cause glare, and UV protection is typically minimal.

Diagram with empty brown oak picture frame and white matte board to illustrate craft or box store purchase. — Typical inexpensive frame and mat board kit from a craft or box store.

Gallery-Quality Custom Framing

Custom frames for Lumachrome® TruLife® acrylic prints provide unmatched durability and elegance:

No glass required, as TruLife® acrylic is scratch-resistant, UV-protected, and anti-reflective
Optional linen liners add depth and beauty
Archival backing protects the print from dust and contaminants
D-ring hanging system ensures secure, museum-quality presentation

Diagram illustrating a Roma Tabacchino dark ash picture frame and black linen liner. — The components of a Charity Edition Framed Lumachrome® TruLife® acrylic print.

Diagram illustrating how a picture frame is measured for width, height and rabbet depth. — Above is an illustration to explain how a frame is measured. The total width of this particular frame is 4 inches, and the height is 2 inches (which can be thought of as the 'depth', or how far it protrudes from your wall). The rabbet is the space under which the linen liner or print is tucked and attached. On this frame it is 5/8 inches.

Frames can be customized to your preference, including style, liner width, and finish. The options are virtually limitless, but I can guide you to the most elegant selections.

Italian Handmade Frames By Roma® and Omega®

For decades, Roma® and Omega® have been producing world-class handmade wooden frames. These artisans create elegant, high-quality products used by leading photographers and artists worldwide.

A large framed photographic print of a Japanese maple tree hangs on the wall over a sofa in a modern den. — A 'Charity Edition' Lumachrome® TruLife® acrylic print framed with a Roma® Layered Walnut frame and white linen liner.

When ordering a Charity Edition framed print, you gain professional guidance and access to premium materials, ensuring a stunning, personalized art piece for your home or office.

Keeping It Simple: My Recommendations

Choosing a frame doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Below are some of the most popular and elegant frames from Roma® and Omega® to inspire your choices.

Even with so many options, the process is simple: a few quick messages and maybe a photo of your space is all it takes to finalize your frame selection.

Lumachrome acrylic face-mount print of a Hawaiian sunset with a Roma Tabacchino dark ash frame and black linen liner. — 'Surge', west coast, Hawaii. Limited Edition of 150.

Above, this coastal sunset image was printed at 40"x40". The exquisite frame is a Roma® Tabacchino 4-inch scoop in the 'Dark Ash' color. The linen liner is the 3-inch flat/beveled edge style in black. The total dimensions of the piece after framing is approximately 54 inches square.

Corner sample of a Roma Tabacchino Dark Ash 4-inch wooden picture frame, stock #60645. — Roma® Tabacchino Dark Ash, 4" wide, 2" height, 3/4" rabbet. Stock #60645. This is the same frame used on the coastal image above. In person this frame color is quite dark, and in a dim room, can almost appear black at a distance. The old world rustic texture of this frame makes it one of the most popular as it is suitable for a wide variety of imagery.

Corner sample of a Roma Tabacchino Cigar Leaf 4-inch wooden picture frame, stock #60687. — Roma® Tabacchino Cigar Leaf, 4" wide, 2" height, 3/4" rabbet. Similar to above except for the color and minor texture differences. Stock #60687. Suitable to match colors in your print, textiles or furniture.

Corner sample of a Roma Tabacchino Tobacco Leaf 4-inch wooden picture frame, stock #60610. — Roma® Tabacchino Tobacco Leaf, 4" wide, 2" height, 3/4" rabbet. Similar to above except for the color and minor texture differences. Stock #60610. Suitable to match colors in your print, textiles or furniture.

Corner sample of a Roma Ramino Satin Black 3.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #80091001. — Roma® Ramino Satin Black 3-1/2" wide, 1-1/4" height, 1" rabbet. Stock #80091001. A classic choice for those who want a bold but simple and clean frame. Smooth with no wood texture. Very dark with a satin sheen. This frame style is available in a multitude of widths, including 4-5/8", 5-1/2" and a whopping 8" width, 3-1/8" height version. Dark brown and a few other black variations also available.

Corner sample of a Roma Ramino Opaque White 3.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #80091009. — Roma® Ramino Opaque White 3-1/2" wide, 1-1/4" height, 1" rabbet. Stock #80091009. Identical as above but in white.

'Shimmer', Falls Creek, Washington. Limited Edition of 50.

This water reflection image is printed at 30"x45", with a Larson-Juhl® Satin Black floater frame with a face that measures 1-9/16" wide. The print is mounted flush with the face of the frame, with a 1/8" gap all around so it appears to be 'floating' inside the frame. A sleek, contemporary look when you just want to add some visual weight to your art piece without too much bulk.

Larson-Juhl® floater frame in Satin Black, 1-9/16" wide face, 2-3/8" height. This is the frame used in the water reflection photograph above.

Corner sample of an Omega Edge Matte White wooden picture frame, stock #84179. — Omega® Edge Matte White, 2-1/4" wide, 1" height, 7/16" rabbet. Stock #84179. A simple, sleek design with contemporary flair. Great for bright rooms with contemporary furnishings. Modern.

Corner sample of an Omega Edge Matte Black wooden picture frame, stock #84178. — Omega® Edge Matte Black, 2-1/4" wide, 1" height, 7/16" rabbet. Stock #84178. Modern and edgy.

Lumachrome acrylic face-mount print of a waterfall image framed with a Roma Lavo Matte Charcoal wooden frame. — 'Crescent Falls', Bighorn River, Alberta. Limited Edition of 150.

For this waterfall photograph above, there is no linen liner, and the print is mounted such that it appears to 'float' within the frame. There is a 1/8" gap all the way around the acrylic, for a unique and creative look. The frame is a Roma® Lavo in Matte Charcoal, and the ripples in the wood accentuate the textures in the rocks and water of the image. A perfect example of how you can tap your creativity and think outside of the box.

Corner sample of a Roma Lavo Matte Charcoal 3.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #862069. — Roma® Lavo Matte Charcoal, 3-1/2" wide, 1-1/4" height, 3/4" rabbet. Stock #862069. Used in the waterfall image above, and perfect for accentuating movement in a photograph.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Dark Ash 6.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99900169. — Roma® Elite Dark Ash, 6-1/2" wide, 3" height, 7/8" rabbet. Stock #99901069. An ultra-wide version of the classic 'scoop' style frame. Makes a bold statement of luxury. A personal favorite.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Cigar Leaf 6.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99901087. — Roma® Elite Cigar Leaf, 6-1/2" wide, 3" height, 7/8" rabbet. Stock #99901087. Same as above with the rich Cigar Leaf coloring. Choose this one if it matches your print or furnishings better than the Dark Ash.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Dark Ash 7-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99801069. — Roma® Elite Dark Ash, 7" wide, 3-7/8" height, 1-1/8" rabbet. Stock #99801069. The name says it all. Elite. A very wide 'reverse scoop' shape in the opulent Dark Ash color, full of character and a stand-out in any room. Sophistication at its finest.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Cigar Leaf 7-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99801087. — Roma® Elite Cigar Leaf, 7" wide, 3-7/8" height, 1-1/8" rabbet. Stock #99801087. Same as above but with a color variation to match your hardwoods or furniture. Also available in the identical size with three other wood grain types and colors.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Dark Ash 5.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99701069. — Roma® Elite Dark Ash, 5-1/2" wide, 3-1/4" height, 1-1/8" rabbet. Stock #99701069. Very deep and bold, this box-shaped frame adds permanence and depth to any image. The rustic Dark Ash color and texture blends seamlessly with stately interiors.

Corner sample of a Roma Elite Cigar Leaf 5.5-inch wooden picture frame, stock #99701087. — Roma® Elite Cigar Leaf, 5-1/2" wide, 3-1/4" height, 1-1/8" rabbet. Stock #99701087. Same as above, but with a lighter reddish hue if this more closely matches your interior woods.

Corner sample of a Roma Arber Soft Gray wooden picture frame, stock #859003. — Roma® Arber Soft Gray Scoop, 3-1/2" wide, 1-5/8" height, 7/16" rabbet. Stock #859003. This rustic woodgrain frame has a popular reclaimed look, great for interiors with a similar feel and style. Also available in Smoked Pine coloring.

Corner sample of a Roma Arber Rubbed White wooden picture frame, stock #859058. — Roma® Arber Rubbed White Scoop, 3-1/2" wide, 1-5/8" height, 7/16" rabbet. Stock #859058. This frame shares the same dimensions as above, but with a bright white distressed woodgrain look. Perfect for a brightly decorated room with a modern/monochrome vibe.

Corner sample of a Roma Arber Charcoal Black wooden picture frame, stock #859045. — Roma® Arber Charcoal Black Scoop, 3-1/2" wide, 1-5/8" height, 7/16" rabbet. Stock #859045. Same dimensions as above but with a smoky charcoal patina in the woodgrain texture. Perfect for monochrome interiors.

Corner sample of a Roma Arber Dark Walnut wooden picture frame, stock #535087. — Roma® Arber Dark Cocoa Scoop, 3-1/2" wide, 1-1/2" height, 1/2" rabbet. Stock #535087. This carved scoop style frame has some serious WOW factor. The unique texture is perfect for accentuating abstract imagery and makes a statement.

Corner sample of a Roma Arber Charcoal Black wooden picture frame, stock #535000. — Roma® Arber Charcoal Black Scoop, 3-1/2" wide, 1-1/2" height, 1/2" rabbet. Stock #535000. Same as above but with a deep charcoal hue. If you want a frame that commands attention and accentuates your image, this one is hard to beat.

A Final Note

Every fine art photograph deserves a beautiful frame that enhances its sophistication, elegance, and value. Choosing a frame may seem daunting, but with my guidance, it is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Charity Edition prints are crafted to last a lifetime, providing brilliance and warmth that make a dramatic statement in any space.

If you would like to search the full catalogues of available product, feel free to view all of the Roma® frames currently available. Use the filters to narrow down your choices.

You can also view the current catalogues of Omega® framing here.