When I first started offering prints and framing to my clients, I used a traditional photography lab and framing company. And while it served me in that season and allowed me to learn the very basics of serving my clients with a finished product, I was very limited. But more importantly, the more I learned, the more I knew I couldn’t stand behind the frames I was offering anymore. 

This is really where my passion for learning every single thing I could about the framing industry, specifically the custom framing industry, started. I knew there was a gap in the industry for photographers. I couldn’t (and still don’t) believe that family memories should exist solely in the digital space. 

Why Frames and Not Other Products

First, let me say that I do offer other products. In fact, albums are near and dear to my heart and I love when clients purchase them. But I truly believe there is value in having your family’s portraits hang on the walls of your home. And when it comes to deciding what type of product is best for your walls, I will always choose frames. 

Framing is just never going to go out of style. It’s tried and true and can stand the test of time. 

As much as I love other wall art products (canvases, metals, woodblocks), I think they are trendy and don’t often fit my client’s home aesthetic. More importantly, they are not what I’d consider heirloom products. So much of what I do is about preserving family’s memories and legacy for generations, and the makeup of the products matter. 

Be Able to Stand Behind the Products You Offer

The truth is, you can only guarantee frames and prints that are made using conservation and archival materials. Sure, you can find this in some of the labs today, but they often lack variety. I found the ability to offer multiple frame moldings, mat options, or custom sizes was nearly impossible. 

Furthermore, when a client asks (they will) the difference in what I offer and what they can buy at a local big-box store, I want to be able to stand behind it with a guarantee. I want them to know that in 5, 10, 50 years from now, the prints and frames they invested in will look the same as the day they purchased them. There is value in that. 

The idea that people just want digitals is a lie. You have to offer a service they connect with and a product they see value in. That’s why I have been working diligently to challenge the photography community to embrace custom framing. Yes, it’s intimidating and comes with a learning curve in the beginning, BUT it’s absolutely possible. 

If you’re ready, come join our community and follow along as we launch The Photographer’s Framer– quality, archival, and custom framing exclusive for Photographers. On April 28th, we have our first soft launch to photographers in The Coaching Collective!