Why Photographers Are Artists Too
For over 25 years, I have lived behind the lens as a photographer. What began as a passion for capturing moments gradually revealed itself as something far deeper: a true artistic practice. Many people still draw a line between “fine art” and photography, as if one requires more creativity than the other. I’m here to say, with conviction, that photographers are artists too—and the skills we master are every bit as valuable as those in traditional fine arts.
I started my creative journey as a young artist, painting and drawing with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of youth. Then life took me down a different path, and for more than 33 years I stepped away from the canvas. During that long interval, photography became my constant companion. Through classes, independent study, and the guidance of mentors, I honed my skills and absorbed the fundamental lessons every artist needs.
Through the viewfinder, I learned color theory—not from a textbook, but from chasing golden hour light and watching how hues shift at dusk. I mastered composition by training my eye to find balance, leading lines, and negative space in the chaos of the real world. I developed an intimate understanding of light: how it sculpts form, creates mood, and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. I studied texture, contrast, depth, and timing—all while standing in the moment rather than imagining it from a blank page.
When I finally returned to traditional art after those 33+ years away, I was astonished by how naturally the skills transferred. The discipline of seeing like a photographer had sharpened my artistic vision in ways I could never have anticipated. My sense of color harmony was more refined. My compositions felt more intentional. Even my brushwork carried a new confidence born from years of making split-second decisions in the field. Photography didn’t just keep my creative spark alive—it made me a better artist.
This is why I believe so strongly that photography deserves equal respect alongside painting, sculpture, and drawing. A photographer doesn’t merely “point and shoot.” We make deliberate artistic choices every time we frame a scene, adjust exposure, wait for the perfect light, or decide what to include or exclude. We interpret reality through our unique perspective, just as a painter interprets it through brushstrokes. The tools may differ—one uses light and a sensor, the other uses pigment and canvas—but the creative process, the vision, and the emotional intent are the same.
Photography is not a lesser art form. It is a powerful, modern language of visual storytelling that requires technical mastery, emotional intelligence, and aesthetic sensitivity. The images we create can move people just as deeply as any masterpiece hanging in a gallery.
If you’ve ever doubted whether your photography counts as “real” art, let this be your reminder: the eye, the heart, and the vision you bring to your work make you an artist. Full stop.
Whether you create with a camera or a paintbrush, what matters most is the soul you pour into the frame or onto the canvas. And after 25+ years behind the lens and a joyful return to the easel, I can say with confidence that both paths lead to the same beautiful destination—art that touches the human spirit.
The Cost of Going Large: Considerations for Framing Oversized Artwork
Creating large-scale artwork can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s essential to consider the practicalities of framing such pieces. One critical factor to keep in mind is the increased cost associated with oversized mats and glass. Here’s why this matters and how you can manage these expenses.
Significant Cost Increase
When your artwork requires oversized mats or glass, the framing cost can almost double. This is due to the increased material costs and the need for specialized handling and production techniques. For both you and your clients, this can represent a significant additional expense.
Anything requiring a mat or glass over 32×40 inches is considered oversized, and even ordering 40×60 mats and glass increases costs compared to standard sizes. For both you and your clients, this can represent a significant additional expense.
Impact on Budget
For artists, the cost of framing can affect your budget for materials and presentation. Understanding the financial implications of creating large works helps you plan accordingly. For clients, the higher framing costs might influence their purchasing decisions, potentially affecting sales.
Standard Size Planning
To avoid the high costs of oversized framing, aim to keep your artwork within standard sizes. For artwork on paper, this means allowing for a 2-inch or larger mat so that the overall size fits within the standard 32×40 mat and glass size. This strategic planning can significantly reduce framing expenses.
Alternative Solutions
If you work on canvas or create art that doesn’t require a mat or glass, the cost implications are less severe. Canvas pieces can be stretched and framed without glass, making them a more economical choice for large-scale works. Similarly, artworks that can be displayed without a mat offer greater flexibility and lower costs.
Strategic Planning
When planning large artworks, consider how they will be framed from the outset. By designing pieces that don’t require oversized mats or glass, you can keep framing costs manageable. This strategic approach ensures that both you and your clients can enjoy and display your work without facing prohibitive expenses.
Enhanced Marketability
Keeping framing costs in mind makes your large artworks more attractive to potential buyers. When clients know that they won’t face exorbitant framing expenses, they may be more inclined to purchase larger pieces, enhancing your marketability.
Understanding the cost implications of framing oversized artworks helps you make informed decisions and plan your creations effectively. By considering alternative solutions and planning strategically, you can manage expenses and ensure your large works are both stunning and affordable to frame.
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For more tips on framing and presenting your artwork, visit our blog at [Framing Artistry].
Protect Your Signature: Keep It Away from the Edges
As an artist, your signature is a vital part of your artwork, signifying your authorship and adding to its value. To ensure your signature remains visible and intact, it’s important to place it carefully. Here’s why you should keep your signature at least 1/4 inch away from the sides of your canvas or substrate.
Avoid Frame Overlap
Frames typically cover about 1/8 inch of the glass, artwork, and mat (if used) around the edges. By keeping your signature at least 1/4 inch away from the sides, you ensure that the frame does not overlap and obscure your signature. This precaution guarantees that your mark remains visible and recognizable, preserving the authenticity of your work.
Maintain Artistic Integrity
A signature is not just a formality; it is an integral part of your artwork’s composition. Ensuring it is placed away from the edges maintains the balance and integrity of your piece. A well-placed signature adds to the overall aesthetic and does not detract from the visual appeal of the artwork.
Preservation and Presentation
By positioning your signature away from the edges, you reduce the risk of it being damaged or worn over time. Edges are more susceptible to wear and tear, especially during handling and framing. A centrally placed signature remains better protected and enhances the professional presentation of your artwork.
Enhance Marketability
Collectors and galleries prefer artwork that is well-presented and easy to frame without compromising important details like the artist’s signature. By following this practice, you make your work more appealing and marketable to potential buyers and curators.
Keeping your signature away from the edges is a simple yet effective way to preserve its visibility, protect its integrity, and enhance the overall presentation of your artwork. It’s a small adjustment that ensures your work is framed beautifully and professionally.
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For more tips on presenting and preserving your artwork, visit our blog at [Framing Artistry].
The Benefits of Taping Off a Border on Your Artwork
When creating artwork on paper, it’s essential to think about how it will be framed and presented. One valuable practice is to tape off a minimum of 1/8 inch around your artwork. Here’s why this small step can make a big difference.
Better Preservation and Presentation
Taping off a border ensures that the mat will not overlap your artwork. This not only keeps the entire image visible but also prevents the mat from causing any damage to the edges of your piece. The taped border provides a clean edge for framing, which enhances the overall presentation of your work.
Ease of Handling
A taped border allows for easier handling of your artwork. Once the tape is removed after the artwork is completed, it leaves a clean edge that can be handled without touching the artwork itself. This added ease of handling helps protect the integrity of your work during the framing process.
Ideal for Hinging
The clean edge left by the tape provides a perfect surface for hinging your artwork. This means the artwork can be securely attached within the frame without damaging the work itself. Hinging from this clean edge ensures that the artwork remains in place and flat without compromising the actual image area.
Professional Appearance
Taking the time to tape off a border demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. It shows that you care about the presentation and longevity of your work, which can be a selling point for collectors and galleries.
Incorporating a taped border into your artistic process is a simple yet effective way to enhance the preservation, handling, and overall presentation of your artwork on paper. It’s a small step that yields significant benefits, ensuring your work looks its best for years to come.
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For more framing and preservation tips, visit our blog at [Framing Artistry].
Why You Should Never Sign Your Artwork on the Mat
As an artist, how you present your work can be as important as the art itself. One common mistake some artists make is signing their artwork on the mat rather than on the piece itself. Here’s why you should avoid this practice.
Devalues the Artwork
Signing the mat rather than the artwork can devalue your piece. Collectors and buyers often view the mat as a temporary element, something that can be changed or replaced over time. When your signature is on the mat, it can easily be separated from your artwork, causing potential confusion about authenticity and authorship.
Lack of Permanence
Mats are not meant to last forever. Over time, they can become damaged, discolored, or even need replacing due to changes in framing trends or conservation needs. If your signature is on the mat, it could be lost when the mat is replaced, effectively removing your mark from your artwork.
Miscommunication
Art collectors, curators, and galleries prefer to see the artist’s signature directly on the artwork. This clear identification helps in verifying the authenticity and origin of the piece, which is crucial for maintaining its value and history.
Better Alternative: Signing the Back of Your Artwork
If you’re hesitant to sign the front of your artwork, consider signing the back instead. This practice maintains the clean look of the front while ensuring your signature remains a permanent part of the piece. Signing the back also provides space to include additional information like the title, date, and medium, which can be valuable for future reference.
By signing directly on your artwork or on the back, you ensure your signature remains an integral and permanent part of your creation, preserving its authenticity and value for years to come.
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For more tips on framing and presenting your artwork, visit our blog at Framing Artistry