Finding ways to frame your cherished photos can be fun, especially if you’re open to trying a variety of shapes and sizes. Any photo can be made to fit any frame, regardless of its original size. When I’m matching a photograph to a frame, I usually ask myself these questions:
*Do I want to put it with a collection of other frames (maybe a mix of modern and vintage ones) or should it stand alone as a statement piece?
*Do I want a round, square, rectangle, or oval frame?
*What kind of texture or material (leather, antique, silver, wood, glass, or mirror) goes best with the image?
*Does the molding go with both the photo and my home décor?
Speaking of special-shaped frames, my clients often ask me how to add photos to their lockets. I understand how this idea can seem overwhelming. One of my clients, for example, still wears a locket she bought from my jewelry collection with the original images of random people. Her family, friends and even her own children have asked her, “Who are those strangers in your locket??” It’s so funny. Sizing a precious photo to fit a unique frame is very simple to do. Here’s how:
Adjust the Size You can shrink or enlarge any photo (print or digital) on your computer at home or in your office. Use a scanner, copier, or photo editing software, like Photoshop or even the standard “Paint” program that comes with all PCs, to print a duplicate of the original image in your desired dimensions. This way you can preserve the original image (in an acid-free storage box!) and use the high-quality copy instead. If you make a mistake, just make another copy!
Make Changes Before You Print Take this opportunity to edit the image. Would it look better in black & white? Would you like to crop in to emphasize a detail or perhaps remove a person who has their eyes closed? If this is where it gets a little tricky for you, just ask a teenager in your household or stop by your local copy store, like Kinkos, for further assistance.
Cut to Fit Trim the image using the interior of the frame, such as the glass or plastic, as a template. Then place the photo inside and voilà!
xox,
M
For more tips on how to display your photos and other decorating advice, check out my book LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE.
Published on August 2, 2010
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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