Photographs are sold unframed to give you control of presentation and greatly reduce the cost of packaging, shipping, and insurance.

Don't be intimidated by the process of framing art photography. You're not the first customer to walk into a frame store and admit you have no clue what you want. You also won't be the first customer wanting to frame art photography nudes. Frame shops have seen it all before!

The frame has two purposes: to protect the art photography and to present it well. The mat is an integral part of both functions.

When your artwork arrives, Aaron Knight recommends taking the unopened tube to a professional framer. Your local frame shop will be able to help you choose a mat and frame that suit your personal style. Because the photographs are shipped rolled in a tube, your framer must flatten them prior to matting and framing. The framer will gradually unroll the photograph(s), with the glassine (translucent paper they are packed in) remaining on top. Flat, smooth weights are placed on the glassine as the photograph is unrolled to keep it flat.

In addition to enhancing the presentation, the frame and glass will seal the artwork from possible contamination. If your framer provides you with too many options, a basic suggestion for framing is:

• Frame: 1 inch or wider black matte/satin wood (MDF on a budget)
• Mat: 8-ply white museum board
• Backing: acid-free foam board or equivalent
• Glazing with 99% UV protection (photography up to 36 inches: glass; over 36 inches: acrylic)
• Two D-rings and bumpers on the back allow for level hanging with two wall-hooks. A wire is neither recommended nor necessary.

Choosing a frame shop is a personal decision, but one that can be daunting for the uninitiated. Your primary concern is the safety of your artwork.

Choose a frame shop that uses materials that are archival, beautiful, and acid-free for the protection and enjoyment of the artwork. It is important not to skimp on protecting the artwork. Use the list above to start the conversation with your framer, who will also provide expert consultation and specific advice.

If you're looking for a framer for the first time, here are some recommendations:

• Aaron Knight prefers owner-operated shops instead of chains, for less employee turnover and greater accountability.
• Expect to pay for, and receive, quality. Don't be shy about asking for a quote (see specifications above as a starting point.)
• The shop should be organized, well maintained, and visually pleasing.
• Look for museums, galleries, and other prominent clients on the frame shop's client list.

For works on paper such as Aaron Knight's limited edition archival photography, a climate-controlled environment is a must. Unheated or unairconditioned locations can damage artwork or allow gaps in the framing which may allow insects or contaminants to harm the artwork.

For reference, museums typically maintain a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit/20-22 Centigrade and a relative humidity of 45-55%. Excessive humidity (70% and above) can support growth of harmful mold and bacteria. However, museum-like conditions are not required. Typical household HVAC systems are adequate to keep artwork at a stable temperature and humidity.

Collectors are warned that direct sunlight is harmful to artworks, even archival ones produced at Aaron Knight's studio. Always hang your artworks away from direct sunlight. An additional defense against sunlight is to install UV (ultraviolet light) blocking window film rated at 99%. Almost all LED lights are safe for artwork, but avoid continual, close fluorescent or halogen bulbs because these can emit damaging UV light.

Your home may not meet these exacting standards, and that’s okay. The more consistent the environment, the better. Avoid direct light, direct heat sources, and HVAC vents.

If you do not frame the artwork, make sure it only comes in contact with archival materials.

If you can't or don't wish to frame your art photography immediately, it can be stored unframed in archival storage. There are several storage alternatives if you don't want to frame your art photography. These are explained below. Archival storage can be portfolio boxes, archival tubes, or drawers.

Note that the standard shipping tube used by Aaron Knight is not an archival tube. Your art arrives protected by archival glassine. This translucent paper that directly contacts the artwork during shipping is intended to isolate it from the shipping tube for a few days or even a couple of weeks. The shipping tube is not intended for long-term storage. If weeks turn to months, it's time to transfer it to archival storage.

An archival portfolio box is a good start. Additionally, place each photograph in an archival sleeve, archival envelope, or interleave with glassine. The strategy is to seal out contaminants (such as acids from wood, cardboard, paper, dust, and dirt) with a series of tight-fitting, neutral barriers. Stored flat, the photographs can be viewed from time to time.

An archival drawer system (flat files) can store the sleeved photographs with or without the use of a portfolio box. While an archival flat file system requires adequate space and budget, it is a good option for a large, serious collection that cannot be framed. Flat storage is used by many museums for items which are too numerous to be displayed.

For space-saving archival storage, archival tubes can be used to store rolled photographs. If you prefer, you may request that the artist ship photographs in an archival box or tube. Please note there is a labor charge included in the cost of substituting long-term storage for standard shipping materials.

Archival art storage resources:

• Gaylord Archival
• Talas