I need to enhance some images for a web presentation with a simple two white mat setup with a black slender frame. It would be desirable to have single black thin stroke on the top mat. I know there are free or very inexpensive actions out there but have not been able to find this configuration. It needs to fit a variety of print demensions. Any have any sources?
Joe Rogers
Several years ago I bought for $12 the frame actions off the FredMiranda site. I only use one frame, and actually I modified it to fit my needs. but from what I remember there are tons of choices.
I'm sure there's tons of other options out there.
Lon
Posted by Greg Vaughn on March 4, 2011 at 12:21 AM
NPN member Ryan des Jardins has an awesome set of frame actions:
http://www.ryandesjardins.com/photographers_photoshop_mat_frame_actions/mat_frame_photoshop_actions.html
Posted by Mark Stahlke on March 4, 2011 at 1:18 AM
Joe, it's very easy to create faux mats and frames using layer styles. This example was created using stroke and inner shadow layer styles. It only took a couple of minutes. Obviously.
Posted by Lindy Martin on March 4, 2011 at 7:44 AM
does anyone know if you can do this in Lightroom? Moose Peterson has a faux mat with his "moose peterson gallery" tag line that looks great. Can someone explain how to do it? Thanks
Here's a link to a pseudo-mat tutorial I posted on my blog last fall http://jims-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-digital-pseudo-mat.html. It requires Photoshop or an editing program that accepts Photoshop plugins. You can make a white border in Lightroom using the 'print to file' function in the print mode but it won't have a faux bevel or a black outer frame.
Perhaps my tutorial could/should be posted on NPN?
I'd like add a couple of things that should be taken into account, if I may.
First: Adding frames, drop shadows, etc. increases file size because you are adding pixels. If there are restrictions as far as file size, you may run into concerns about jpeg compression affecting image quality.
Second: Like any other presentation of artwork, the frame should fit the image as well as the venue. I have seen lots of images on the web that had frames that were too large and/or ornate that actually downgraded the quality of the work. The frame should compliment and enhance the work, not be a distraction.
Discussion
6 repliesJoe Rogers
Several years ago I bought for $12 the frame actions off the FredMiranda site. I only use one frame, and actually I modified it to fit my needs. but from what I remember there are tons of choices.
I'm sure there's tons of other options out there.
Lon
http://www.ryandesjardins.com/photographers_photoshop_mat_frame_actions/mat_frame_photoshop_actions.html
Perhaps my tutorial could/should be posted on NPN?
First: Adding frames, drop shadows, etc. increases file size because you are adding pixels. If there are restrictions as far as file size, you may run into concerns about jpeg compression affecting image quality.
Second: Like any other presentation of artwork, the frame should fit the image as well as the venue. I have seen lots of images on the web that had frames that were too large and/or ornate that actually downgraded the quality of the work. The frame should compliment and enhance the work, not be a distraction.
--P