So, you’ve finally come to it.  You’re ready to buy a photo print from a photographer or an art gallery.  Perhaps you found another source.  However, that doesn’t matter.  What does matter is that you now need to decide whether or not to accessorize your photo print.  Since that’s your question, we’ll address it here now.  When do you want to accessorize your photo print?

Now then, there are several ways in which you can accessorize your photo print.  These ways include a mat, a frame (complete with glass), and a plaque.  I don’t consider the hanging implement of choice as an accessory.  Photo print accessories are more for show than function.  If they are for function, then they will equally be for style and presentation too.

No Accessories

The simplest way to buy a photo print is to buy the print only.  No accessories at all.  This often the cheapest and most portable option for you as an art patron.  You’ll find that you can transport and ship this print rolled up in a cardboard tube.  Shipping rates in cardboard tubes are much lower than those of larger packages.  Also, with this option, you can choose what mat and/or frame you want later.  You need not worry about whether or not a pre-chosen mat or frame will work with your current decor.  You’ll have the freedom to choose those later.  Also, you can choose just how you want the mat to look.  Do you want a single or double mat?  How about an opening which is different from a square or rectangle?  These options open up to you when purchasing an unaccessorized print.

The downside is that you must go purchase the matting and framing for yourself.  This means an extra expense.  However, you can do this on your own timetable and budget.  But you must wait longer to display this new piece of art on your wall.

Accessorize Your Photo Print With a Mat

Another very common option for accessorizing your photo print is with a mat.  At time of purchase, you can often choose between a print only or one with a mat.  Sometimes you have the option of a double mat (as depicted below).  If you buy a print with a mat, then the mat will offer the print some protection as you transport it.  However, it still has a larger footprint than a rolled print in a tube for storage and transport/shipping.  If not handled carefully, then you can damage the mat (an maybe the print too) in transport.  Then you must replace it.  Shipping a matted print is easier than shipping a framed print as it’s not as thick nor as heavy.

Still, buying a print already matted requires you to consider if the mat will match your current decor.  Another point to consider is that you have full control over choice of frame.  You can even choose the low quality frames which Walmart sells if you want to, but you’ll get what you pay for there.

Accessorize Your Photo Print With a Picture Frame

Here we have the nicest and most expensive option to accessorize your photo print.  You can buy a photo print (with or without a mat) with a frame.  The advantage to this is that you see exactly what you are buying from start to finish. You know that the photographer carefully chose a mat and frame which will work well with each other and with the print.  Also with this option, your print receives the best protection it can receive during transport.

The downsides are twofold.  Firstly, you must decide if the entire package (print, mat, and frame) will work with your current decor.  The other downside is that the plastic, metal, or wood of the frame will keep your print safe at a cost.  However, you add the element of fragile glass during transport.  You also want to protect the nice frame for display purposes.  This means you need extra packaging as poor handling during transport risks breaking the glass and damaging the print and more if unlucky.  You don’t want bends, cracks, or dings in the frame either.  This purchase option is expensive to ship as it’s the heaviest and largest overall package to ship.

Accessorize Your Photo Print With a Plaque

Another accessory you can choose is some kind of plaque.  I view this accessory as the cherry on top, if you will.  You can use it to show off the title, the photographer, limited edition status, commemorate an event, and more.  It’s your choice if ordering your own.  If you buy a print with one already attached, then you must go with what was previously chosen.  This plaque will not add much at all to shipping concerns as it is kept below the glass and weighs only a few ounces depending upon the size.

If you choose to use a plaque yourself, then you must choose one which won’t add acid to the print and mat.  Otherwise, you’ll eventually see the effects of acid: yellowing discoloration and more.

When to Accessorize Your Photo Print

Now that we’ve discussed the general options for photo print accessories, we come back to the question we began with: when do you want to accessorize your photo print.  The obvious answer here is that you EVENTUALLY want to accessorize it with both a mat and a frame.  Perhaps with a plaque if you want.  Indeed, as matting and framing accessories provide both protection and presentation value, the overall question really isn’t whether or not to buy them at all.  The overall question is more if you want all the accessories available when you buy the print, or do you want to choose your own later.

The answer is a bit simple, but there are complications too.  If you have the money and adequate transportation with proper padding, then by all means, accessorize your print at time of purchase if you can.  If either or both factors listed are issues, then go with fewer accessories as available.  You can always accessorize your print later.  Another scenario is your trust in a courier service.  Do you trust the Post Office, Fed-Ex, UPS, DHL, or other couriers to handle your print properly?  I’ve received pristine and damaged packages before from these couriers.  If you trust them, then use them.  If you don’t, then you might consider buying fewer accessories at the time of purchasing the print.  This will make your transport easier.

One final point to consider is this: as with all things, sometimes you won’t see all the herein listed accessory options available when purchasing the print in-person or otherwise.  Still, sometimes you can order versions with the accessories you want.  However, if a desired accessory isn’t available at the time of print purchase, you can always buy it later from your own source.

Conclusion

The question of when to accessorize your photo print is directed at how many accessories you want to buy with your photo print.  As you can buy prints with mats, frames, plaques, and even nothing at all beyond the print, the options are there.  You simply choose what you want at time of purchase.  If there’s something lacking for your display purposes at the time of purchase, then you can simply acquire it later on your timetable and budget.  If transport and shipping budget are concerns, then there are options.  Indeed, the photography industry has built in options for print accessories to handle many different situations and budgets.  So, please shop for your new print secure in the knowledge that you can accessorize it on your own schedule.

Now I turn things over to you, reader.  Is there an accessory I missed which I can add?  What are your experiences buying photo print accessories with the print or later?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.