Printing question 1st large print (20X30)

I'm looking to gather some information on printing an image. It's 3:2 aspect ratio so I'm guessing 20X30, however I'm not sure if I should add a border and text (basically a caption and signature) to the image. I guess I'm looking for the pros and cons of the border. Also if I add the border won't that change my image size? I know I can set a canvas size in photoshop and then add the image. I guess I'm also looking for some examples on how to do this and some finished results.

It will be hung up in an office and it's the first time I'm trying to print something this large. If anyone has any tips or suggestions I'd appreciate it. I'll planning on ordering from MPIX if that helps.

Thanks.

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It's really a matter of taste and fitting it in with the decor of the office. Are there other prints on the walls? If so, match them in terms of borders, frames, mattes, glass, etc. If not, then you set the standard.

As for signature line and caption, again, it's your choice. When I do a caption, I try for a neutral color that matches colors in the print. Not the red of the lighthouse. Maybe the amber of the lights. I often use an easy to read script font that's small enough to read a pace away from the print. As for text, I would put the location and year. I usually keep my signature line unobtrusive, putting it in a corner at the same hue as the background, but lighter or darker as seems fit. But there's a wide divergence in how people do this. Make sure you leave enough room so that the text is not covered by a matte if you use one.

I think text and a signature could ruin it. I'd crop it to put the tower in the position of the bottom left position suggested by the rule of thirds. It might look better as a panorama too, there's nothing of interest in the water.

As for printing, here's my printing FAQ. Just choose a good lab and send them the image. You don't need to upsize it, sharpen it, or anything else. Over sharpening can ruin a print, under sharpening wouldn't matter for this type of image.

Take a look at some of Scott Kelby's recent posts on G+ for some ideas and examples:

https://plus.google.co​m/10525615602669481633​3/posts

If you scroll down a ways you'll find a link to his Photoshop framing tutorial (repeated here for your convenience):

http://www.scottkelby.​com/blog/2010/archives​/12235

Keep scrolling down and look for his Automobile and Props posters.

Also, look at his blog post on his "Notre Dame Poster":

http://www.scottkelby.​com/blog/2010/archives​/14036

Tim, thanks for the help and the link.

Rimmer, thanks for the pointers to Scott Kelby's framing tutorial. That's kinda what got me thinking about the frame, but I didn't see the Automobile and Props posters one or the Notre Dame one.

Thanks again everyone I really appreciate the tips provided.

I just had my 1st poster print as well (20x30). I personally recommend to not put any text/watermark and border, but final decision is up to you. I printed mine at costco, got 24x36 frame, ordered a mat (replace the border of the photo), and love the result. And yes, you can get very nice print from costco so if there's one in your area, check them out.