How to Pick the Shape of Frames for Black and White Pictures

Black and white photography makes an excellent addition to home or office decor, and when hanging black and white pictures you want to make sure to choose a frame that enhances the dramatic qualities of the picture rather than distracting the viewer. Frame shape is one key ingredient to a good frame choice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide between a black frame and a colored frame. Black and white photography typically looks best matted and framed with a large black frame or any size frame of a brighter accent color to match the room.

2. Look for larger frame shapes. Any type of photography, black and white or color, looks best with a very large frame to tone down any sense of business or crowded composition in the picture.

3. Look for textures and patterns that accent the picture. For example, don't choose a frame with lots of dots or woven texture unless a similar or complementary texture is depicted in the photograph. Otherwise the texture will be distracting.

4. Choose a frame that draws the eye into the picture. A frame that is more elevate around the edges and slopes downward into the picture is a better choice than a frame that slopes upward into the picture.

5. Choose a frame shape that highlights the subject of the photograph. For example, if the subject is round, like a flower, you may want to choose an oval frame shape rather than a rectangular one.