Do you hand over your digital images and cry a little inside because you know the chances are they won’t ever get printed? You question what all your hard work is for and your heart is telling you, you are not doing your client’s justice (or your work). You want to serve your clients fully but don’t know where to even begin. Or you do, but just getting started with custom framing terrifies you?

If that resonates with you and you answered yes to any of those questions, know that you are not alone. I’ve been there too. Many of your friends have been there and are there. 

Friend, please know that you are capable of so much more. You can give your client’s the experience you desire and they deserve. Decide, commit to the work and the investment to learn, and stay focused…I promise it will change your business and fulfill you more than you knew possible!

So now what? Although it can be exciting to jump all in, I do recommend these 5 tips for getting started with framing. 

Educate yourself on why custom framing is the way to go

You need to know what conservation and archival material are and why it’s an important investment. You need to understand and believe in the product yourself if you’re ever going to be confident offering it to your clients. 

Order test prints

Understand the differences in the paper – the textures and the finishes. Choose what you like and what resonates with your brand. And as you go, make notes of what your clients like and don’t like. 

I also recommend ordering test prints for the different environments you work in. This may include your studio, client’s homes, and/or outdoor locations. 

Choose your framing lineup and matting style

I recommend starting with 10 frames (2 whites, 2 greys, 2 blacks, 2 kinds of wood, a silver, and a gold). You may need to order more to feel confident in the 10 you choose. Depending on the frames you choose, you’ll want to offer mats that complement the frame. I recommend 4, 8, and double-ply and offer a few options to start (black, white, and grey). 

Learn how to design basic wall art galleries

Don’t worry, if the design part is not your strength, there are programs available to help. The Photographer’s Framer and Story Wall System will have many curated wall gallery options already designed and ready to go. The team can also create a custom wall gallery for you. Like anything, the more you do it, the more confident you will become, and before you know it, you’ll be designing wall galleries everywhere you go! 

Decide how you want to handle installs

It’s 100% up to you if you want to learn how to install, have a handyman you trust, or if you want to leave it to your clients (this would be my last resort). Knowing what hangers to use, how to install on different wall types, and how to account for expanding a gallery wall is important. 

Remember, all of this takes time. You aren’t going to become an expert overnight. And that’s okay. What’s important is your clients are going to see the family they have built together on the walls of their home- their greatest memories. That’s invaluable and worth the learning curve it takes to offer them this experience.

If you’re a photographer tired of delivering digital images and interested in getting started with framing, I’d love to teach you how! Contact me for more information and join our free community for photographers over at The Coaching Collective!