Protecting Your Precious Images

Why your professional pictures should be more than just pixels and paper

I have blogged before about why I focus so heavily on printing your images from your session.  You can go back and read that post here.  Those earlier posts focus more generally on the benefits of having more than just a digital file of your images.  But I have received a few questions on why my smaller prints are mounted and not like the loose paper prints you can get from the photo departments at the big box stores or online services.  I thought I would share with you why I feel a mounted (or matted) print is better for your cherished images than a loose paper print.

In the world of photography, the decision to print your cherished images is one that deserves careful consideration. While digital files have their place, there's something timeless and irreplaceable about a physical print. You might be familiar with the convenience of ordering loose paper prints, but have you ever wondered why some photographers, like myself, recommend mounted or matted prints instead? Let's explore why these prints stand out and why they're worth considering for your precious memories.

Let’s take a step back, because most of you probably don’t think about printed pictures nearly as often as I do :)  You may be asking “What do you mean when you say loose print?”  or “What even is a mounted or matted print?”  Or possibly I lost you on the second sentence…..  For those of you that are still around, I’m going to help you be a more informed consumer - which I always think is a good thing no matter what you are purchasing.

You are all likely familiar with the 4x6 prints you can order online for pennies.  They are conveniently shipped to your home or you pick them up at a local store in an envelope.  These are great options for your cell phone pictures, creating photo collages for school activities, or attaching to your fridge with cute magnets.  Score - your memories are off your phone!  What you may or may not know is that there are different qualities of these loose paper prints.  You might even notice a difference if you compare prints you ordered a few years ago to ones you order today.  The paper is getting thinner or the colors may be fading on the older prints.  This is a classic example of you get what you pay for.  

Have you ever had the misfortune of finding one of these prints in the hands of a toddler?  Or maybe in a fit of rage after an argument you may have low-tech removed someone from a picture with sharp objects (no judging, it’s kind of cathartic).  These prints are easy to ruin.  Push pin holes, rips and tears, wrinkles - you name it.  Now Grandma has a white line across her forehead where your photo was folded.

This is where mounted or matted prints really shine.  I’m not saying all your prints should be mounted or matted (though they definitely should be backed up for easy reprinting).  But if you are investing in a professional photo session, outfits, hair & make-up, you should ensure your prints are going to last.  

Mounted prints are images that are attached to a thick backboard anywhere from a couple of millimeters to a quarter inch or more.  This sturdy backing provides stability to the print making it less prone to warping, bending, or tearing.  It also provides more stability inside a frame or allows you to display the print on an easel or stand.  On a mounted print, the top layer is the image and will typically extend all the way to the edge of the backing.

Mounted Prints

Mounted prints are images securely attached to a durable backboard, preventing warping and offering versatile display options. Your image extends to the edge for a seamless finish.

Matted prints on the other hand have a backing and a mat opening with the image mounted in between the two layers.  This gives the image the stability of the mounted prints with a traditional finished look that “frames” your print.  The mat creates a visual resting space when the print is mounted inside a frame.  Often you can use a white, black, or off-white mat to really highlight the tones of your image.

Matted Prints

Matted prints sandwich your image between layers for stability and a classic framed appearance, with mat color options to enhance your image's tones.

Both the mounted and matted prints are going to protect your prints from many types of damage that can affect a paper print.  While you can still use sharp objects in a fit of rage should you choose to, your images are protected from ripping, warping, or folding.  This added protection is why I mount, or mat, the prints I offer to my clients.

In the fast-paced digital age, it's easy to overlook the significance of printed photographs. However, as a photographer, I believe in preserving your memories in a way that ensures they stand the test of time. While loose paper prints have their place, mounted and matted prints offer a level of durability and elegance that makes them the ideal choice for your cherished images. So, the next time you invest in a professional photo session, remember that your choice of print matters just as much as the memories captured within it. It's not just about the image; it's about how you choose to immortalize it.

Want to see for yourself how beautiful your images look when they are professionally printed and displayed throughout your home? Email me with all your questions or to schedule your own session.