Archival Photo Mounting Part 2 | T Hinge and Finding Optical Visual Center

In the second part of our series on Archival Photo mounting, we will cover the process for consistently finding visual/optical center, and then applying linen tape to create a T-Hinge for a Matted print.
Link to an excellent article with in depth information on optical/visual center:
www.russellcottrell.com/photo/...

[@tallboycan]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. There aren’t a huge amount of mounting videos out there, so this is appreciated. I’m a self taught framer using mostly YT videos and a few books to guide my way. The way I do it is I center the print in the mat, then weight it down. For the T hinges I assemble each hinge off the print. Then I lift the top edge of each print and slide the t hinge under the print on each side. I then press down on the tape through the print using a loose glove to cover the print. I feel this provides more than enough pressure to ensure good adhesion - the Lineco tape has very good adhesion ( I learned this in the few instances when I tried to remove it). Therefore I’m not concerned about it’s adhesion failing. So it seems burnishing the tape onto the back of print is not needed and just makes the process a bit more difficult (though I like the trick using the silicon pieces). The way, I do it about 1/8” of the non-sticky side of the tape that adheres to the mat slides under the print and there is not the 1/16”area of the sticky part of tape exposed to the bottom of the mat, which I’ve learned can sometimes be a pain when lifting the mat because it will stick to it. I bring this up to hear if there is any disadvantage to how I do it or major advantage to how you do it. I’m trying to figure out the ins and outs for myself and what works best for me. In my process of learning to frame I question whether much of what is taught as “100% essential, you must do it this way or your framing job will be terrible*” is overkill and mostly unnecessary. And the more that is promoted the more of an obstacle this all seems to a beginner. Thanks again for the video.
* I’ve browsed a few message boards of professional framers and they very much put forth this attitude.

[@MrNegative]

I’m also self taught and have mostly found methods that work well for me and stuck with them. I don’t see anything wrong with your method and have seen others do something similar. The advantage of your method is also there’s no risk of scratching the print by flipping it face down. As long as you’re getting the desired results and your clients are happy, I would say stick with the method that best fits your workflow. Of course I’m a photographer more than a framer so there are definitely plenty of people (as you’ve mentioned) that may have strong opinions to the contrary haha. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful!

[@drb9705]

Fascinating. I’m going to give this a try.

[@MrNegative]

I’ve added a link to the description of an excellent article on print centering. Hope it helps!

[@Studiorafael]

Great content !!

[@MrNegative]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@mje1625]

Light Impressions use to make what looked like a T-square that made finding the optical center and center of the mat board super easy... no drawing lines or measuring. But I can't find it anywhere on the internet. It's simply disappeared. Have you seen one of those T-squares?

[@MrNegative]

I have not but if you find it please let
Me know! That would be brilliant

[@mje1625]

This is what they're called: Falcon (Marshall) Print Mounting Positioner. But it doesn't seem they're available anymore.@@MrNegative

[@MrNegative]

@mje1625 I’m surprised there’s nobody that makes a new version. Seems like a simple and easy to use design. Thanks for sharing I’ll keep an eye out for a used version