Why 13x19?

TeamSpeed wrote in post #18561944
As stated, you can mat those prints. Also, I invested in a mat cutting tool, and it has already saved me money. I can do single or double mats pretty easily this way and print 13x19 to fit in a larger frame....

Quick question, TS. Where do you buy uncut mats? Any chance you can post a link? Thanks

I get mine at Hobby Lobby but about any crafts store should carry those I suspect.

RhodyPhotos wrote in post #18788255
Quick question, TS. Where do you buy uncut mats? Any chance you can post a link? Thanks

Jerry's Artarama 653 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904, in Providence is the best place I have found. Very good people and helpful too.
https://www.jerrysarta​rama.com/

In Warwick we have AC Moore and Michael's just down the road from each other on route 2.

...please don't go to hobby lobby

I bought the 450 elite cutter, watched about 3 videos, pulled it out and made a few double mats. Turned out great!

The Logan cutters are great!
I got one when I did my first gallery show back in 2007, and have been using it ever since. 450 sounds familiar, so probably that one. Awesome set up. I used a friends 301 before that, which is how I decided that a Logan was in my future, and that 301 is just about all anyone using it for occasional use could need. I went with the 450 thinking it would be better for me for larger prints, but honestly not sure it was important to do so.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18788325
Jerry's Artarama 653 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904, in Providence is the best place I have found. Very good people and helpful too.
https://www.jerrysarta​rama.com/

In Warwick we have AC Moore and Michael's just down the road from each other on route 2.

...please don't go to hobby lobby

Perfect! Jerry's just down to street from me

KatManDEW wrote in post #18561906
Can anyone explain why manufacturers make 13x19 printers and paper, when DSLR's are 2x3 (12x18) aspect ratio? 13x19 frames are not common (but neither are 12x18 for that matter).

What do you all normally do about printing and framing 2x3 aspect ratio prints?

I normally disregard the aspect ratio of the sensor, and crop a picture to get the composition I want.

If it works for the pic, I will print to 16x20" or other standard size, because that makes framing easier. But if the photo calls for a different aspect ratio, then I will print to that and find a different framing solution.

Last time I was at Michaels I noticed that pre-cut 2:3 mats and frames are a rarity. Most framing is still based on 3:4. We are wasting a good part of our sensors if we compose to 3:4.

bsiegler wrote in post #18788129
This is very helpful information. I just want to make sure I understand. When you say 12x18 print, am I to crop my image to 12x18 and print so there is a 1" border on the 13x19 paper?

That would be a half inch border.

DCarter wrote in post #18789049
That would be a half inch border.

Depends where you put the border...

There might be 2 1" borders or 4 1/2" borders.

Seems to me that most are still 4:5, like 8x10, 16x20, etc.

KatManDEW wrote in post #18561906
Can anyone explain why manufacturers make 13x19 printers and paper, when DSLR's are 2x3 (12x18) aspect ratio? 13x19 frames are not common (but neither are 12x18 for that matter).

What do you all normally do about printing and framing 2x3 aspect ratio prints?

I print 12x18 on 13x19 Pro Luster paper on my Canon PRO-10. A quick less expensive route is Michael’s stocks a mat and frame that is 18x24 with mat window of 12x18.
I also use two local Custom frame shops near both of our locations.
Same goes for 8x12 images as well. Although Michael’s stock the 12x16 Frames, last time I checked they do not stock a corresponding mat, which I order 50 at a time on line.
I see the world as 2x3.

https://goldenstateart​.com …it-packs/outer-size/18x24
https://goldenstateart​.com …it-packs/outer-size/12x16

Hope this helps.

I cut my own mats, I got tired of trying to find mats or have the store cut them. This way I can print any size to match sales on frames. Strange I know, but every bit saved in printing and framing = new gear!

I can tell you to not rush through the cutting process, or it gets a bit expensive throwing away mat material that was cut incorrectly. Measure twice, cut once, and make sure the mat is facing upwards correctly. The process is pretty easy though overall.

I have printed many 12x18 prints. I like to go larger, but 12x18 is a nice, affordable size. Michael's had been mentioned. If I did a lot, I would probably go the route of Teamspeed. Michael's is not cheap, but I don't sell matted/framed prints often. They are usually a gift from me, as most clients want to choose their own frames.

The key to Michael's for me: They are ridiculously priced & they know it, so they often have "sales". I can usually get a bogo 2/$50, 2/$80. If you purchase they frame there & take the print with you, they charge me $30 to mount. Comes with a paper backing, hanging wire, & tabs at bottom so it hangs straight.

This puts me around $50 for a 12x18 matted & framed. If I did any kind of volume I'd have to reevaluate my approach.

The ROI for buying a mat cutter then is about 5-6 photos based on those numbers.

Oh yeah, my first gallery show in 2006 I was able to borrow a Logan matte cutter, but the next time I bought my own. One gallery show, 20-30 framed prints, and the mat cutter is paid for many times over!