Posted by Tom Johnston on January 22, 2007 at 1:22 PM
I am in the conceptual stages of a project to produce a series of large framed b&w prints for a wing of a major Chicago hospital. To start, I am probably looking at 12 to 15 16x20" or 20x24" prints that I will mat and frame myself as always do with my prints. If things work out, I will also be producing prints for hospital rooms but that is a different story and the constraints will be different. This type of project is new to me and I would appreciate some practical advice from others here who may have done similar projects.
For most of my b&w prints, which are displayed in private homes, I have generally used regular picture glass. Obviously I will be using Plexi or a similar material for safety reasons with this project. I sometimes use Plexi for prints displayed in private homes where there are children or there are other safety concerns but I have always used regular (shiny) Plexi because the light in those conditions can be controlled to minimize glare glare. But I am concerned that shiny glass will cause a glare problems in hospital lighting conditions so I may want to go with a non-glare type of glass. However, I know that there are more than one type of non-glare Plexi materials to choose from and I remember reading something about the advantages and disadvantages of various kinds. Some obscure fine detail. The prints will be matted so they won't be touching the glass, of course. I shoot with with large format cameras and I exploit the fine detail capabilities of those formats and fine detail is generally a characteristic of my work so I do not want to suppress or hide detail. I would appreciate recommendations for the best type of Plexi type material for my purposes, that is, a safe material that reduces or eliminates glare while revealing as much detail as possible. I need to know this before working up an estimate.
Also, I would appreciate any other comments or advice from photographers who have done this sort of project that I may not have thought of. For example, any information on pricing for hospital work would be good to know.
We've done a couple of hospitals Tom, and success with the second makes me wish we had done the first a bit differently. For the first we went with a straight price structure, while on the second we offered discounts with each incremental increase in the order size. The latter resulted in a much larger sale.
Can't be specific on the plex because get what we can from a local shop. Their non-glare variety works fine, but I couldn't begin to tell you what they use.
Posted by Tom Johnston on January 22, 2007 at 2:21 PM
Thanks much, Hank. I am having a meeting with the person from the hospital that is in charge of the project and you gave me some very useful information about pricing.
Thanks Again,
Tom
Posted by Pat Warfield on January 23, 2007 at 1:52 PM
Tom & Hank, I am both a photographer & framer. And I supply photographic art & framing to several hospitals. And I also do archival framing. Glass or Plex most importantly needs to have UV filtering because of the florescent lighting. Non-glare is good because of so many reflections in the rooms & hallways. Currently, non-glare finishes degrade the image minimally because only one side is textured. Being able to view the image from all angles offsets any loss of clarity. (There is a very expensive museum glass that is clear - but not reflective and also has UV inhibitors - it actually enhances artwork.) Picture frame quality plexi is available in clear w/wo UV & non-glare w/wo UV. Plex should be used in areas where there is possible impact - or in earthquake zones - otherwise the added expense is not necessary. For decorating needs of a hospital - styles & colors change every few years - expensive framing is not necessary; however you can 'sell' quality. If you use neutral (rag) matts & classic wood frame mouldings or metals - these will never go out of style. Also, use only acid-free or rag matts & acid-free mounting boards - cost a little more - but looks better & lasts for 20-30 years. A frame with plain paper matts & no UV filtering sets up a chemical reaction over time & fades the images & discolors the materials, notice how bevel edges of paper matts turn dark. Hope this is helpful to you & other photographers. Pat
Posted by Tom Johnston on January 23, 2007 at 5:20 PM
Thanks, Pat! That's more very useful information.
In this case, I have to use plexi because it is a safety requirement of the hospital. Also, they will be used in, of all places, the alchohol and drug rehab unit!
I always mat and frame all of my own work. My b&w prints are all made on fiber-based papers and all get archival processing and toning. I use acid free museum mat (rag) boards for all my b&w prints. I dry mount them myself. I will probably use just classic extruded aluminum frames like I almost always use which, as you point out, never go out of style. The only thing I needed more information about was the options for the plexi and you provided some very useful information and I really appreciate your advice.
Discussion
4 repliesFor most of my b&w prints, which are displayed in private homes, I have generally used regular picture glass. Obviously I will be using Plexi or a similar material for safety reasons with this project. I sometimes use Plexi for prints displayed in private homes where there are children or there are other safety concerns but I have always used regular (shiny) Plexi because the light in those conditions can be controlled to minimize glare glare. But I am concerned that shiny glass will cause a glare problems in hospital lighting conditions so I may want to go with a non-glare type of glass. However, I know that there are more than one type of non-glare Plexi materials to choose from and I remember reading something about the advantages and disadvantages of various kinds. Some obscure fine detail. The prints will be matted so they won't be touching the glass, of course. I shoot with with large format cameras and I exploit the fine detail capabilities of those formats and fine detail is generally a characteristic of my work so I do not want to suppress or hide detail. I would appreciate recommendations for the best type of Plexi type material for my purposes, that is, a safe material that reduces or eliminates glare while revealing as much detail as possible. I need to know this before working up an estimate.
Also, I would appreciate any other comments or advice from photographers who have done this sort of project that I may not have thought of. For example, any information on pricing for hospital work would be good to know.
Thanks,
Tom
Can't be specific on the plex because get what we can from a local shop. Their non-glare variety works fine, but I couldn't begin to tell you what they use.
Thanks Again,
Tom
In this case, I have to use plexi because it is a safety requirement of the hospital. Also, they will be used in, of all places, the alchohol and drug rehab unit!
I always mat and frame all of my own work. My b&w prints are all made on fiber-based papers and all get archival processing and toning. I use acid free museum mat (rag) boards for all my b&w prints. I dry mount them myself. I will probably use just classic extruded aluminum frames like I almost always use which, as you point out, never go out of style. The only thing I needed more information about was the options for the plexi and you provided some very useful information and I really appreciate your advice.
Best,
Tom