As a full-service photographer who offers in-house custom framing, I have found that displaying images from your portrait sessions is one of the hardest tasks for busy Mamas to complete on their own.
Some families have empty frames waiting for images to be printed while others have framed images but no time to measure and hang them. Others are overwhelmed by choices so their images sadly remain on hard drives.
Does any of that sound familiar?
Listen, Mama- I know the struggle! I know you have full intentions of having your portraits printed but with so many things on your to do list, this task often gets forgotten about. Your time is valuable and you’re already making an investment to document this beautiful stage of life for your family. Don’t risk sending your beautiful images elsewhere when high-quality frames can be customized just for you here in the studio!
My goal is to make the session process as easy as possible for my clients. That means my job isn’t complete until you are able to enjoy your images on a daily basis.
So what does that final step of your session experience look like?
The Custom Framing Process from Digital Design to Installation
From helping you select a wall of your home to display artwork, to choosing images, visualizing those images on your wall, and installation- I have simplified the framing process for you!
At your viewing appointment, we will create a custom gallery to fit any space in your home. These galleries can be added to each time you do a session, building the story of your family as you grow.
Step 1: Select a Wall for your Artwork
Before reveal appointments, I ask my clients to take a few photos of walls in their homes where they may like to hang their portraits. Sometimes this is in the center of the home near the family room, in hallways or an entryway, or in a bedroom or playroom. The key is to take the photo of the wall(s) as straight on as possible so we can use it later for a visual!
When considering walls of your home for frames, keep in mind that designs don’t always need to be large. You could do two side-by-side frames or one statement piece, too! I’ll walk you through all of this though, so if you aren’t sure that is totally okay!
Step 2: Choose your Images and Frame
Helping you display your favorite portraits in a wall design that fits your style is incredibly important to me. Once you’ve chosen your favorite images, I help arrange them in a way that they coordinate in a wall art design.
The next step is choosing your frame! With over 30 frame options to choose from in my studio, there is something for every style of home decor. Options range from modern lines, to ornate gold and silver styles. to wood tones and everything in between!
Step 4: Visualize the Options on your Wall with a Digital Design
Using the images you provide of your walls and special software, I design gallery walls specifically for your home.
Yes, that means you’ll see digital designs on your actual walls before committing to an option! I find this is a huge benefit when it comes to custom framing. It helps to keep your wall art proportional to your space, provides a visual for you, and allows you to see see how your selections would fit with your existing decor.
This digital design (see the before and after below!) takes all that guesswork out of the process!
Step 5: Prep & Assemble Frames with your Artwork
The next step is creating your frames in my studio here in Katy, TX! This is one way that I can guarantee you will receive high-quality, family heirlooms after your session.
Even our small portraits are all completely customized frames. Each is made ready to hang on the wall once finished! For clients investing in a complete gallery wall, I personally install your wall art for you. It literally takes out all the stress off of you having to do it yourself!
Each portrait comes with your archival portrait, matting, conservation acrylic, and custom frame. This means your artwork will stand the test of time, without fading or yellowing from one generation to the next.
Step 6: Installation Day
Once your wall art is complete, I contact you to schedule your installation! For single frames, clients often stop by the studio for pick up.
Most families don’t fully grasp the value of waking up every day and seeing their sweet babies’ images printed and framed on the walls of their home until installation day. Seeing their reactions to the final design is such a fun moment!
Why the Custom Framing Experience is so Special
A lot of time is put into helping my clients each step of the way, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The truth is, creating high-quality portraits to hang on your wall stretches far beyond just what you see.
There is something so special about seeing your images displayed on your walls- even for your children. There is so much more to newborn and family photography than simply taking photos.
Having long-lasting wall art around your home establishes a sense of belonging in your children. Through your little ones’ eyes, they see that they fit in with the ones they love. They have a place.
This is why custom framing is such a rewarding service to offer my clients. Knowing what it means to your children now, and in the future when your artwork can be passed down through generations, is well worth the investment!
Kelly of Lifetime of Clicks Photography is a newborn, maternity, and family outdoor and studio photographer based in Katy TX. Service areas include Houston, TX as well as Katy, Sugar Land, and surrounding communities.
Kelly provides a luxury, stress-free photography experience which includes a client wardrobe, hair, and makeup for your session, plus custom album and wall art designs for your home. If you’re interested in booking a session, contact me here!
