I just made this framed print of a new lily of the valley image, which is coming out in tomorrow’s newsletter. Couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Small print size seemed right to me since viewing the lily of the valley in nature is an intimate experience. Only when you get down on the ground can you see the tiny bells and smell the beautiful aroma.

I also like the wide mat to isolate the image more and add to the feeling of delicacy.

What do you think? Would you do anything differently? I’d love to hear your opinion.

This fun shot of a horse scratching its chin on a post is one of the first images you see when you visit my site. I’d like to pick some frame options for this print. Can you help?

Here’s what I’ve got so far. Let me know what you prefer. If you have other ideas or suggestions for framing or matting, I’d love to hear them.

By the way, I’ve decided to go back to my Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine for blogging.

Frame Style 1:  21 3/4 x 17 inches (55.2 x 43.2 cm)

Canadian Walnut Frame
Premium Luster Photo Paper
Print size: 13 3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22.9 cm)
Price $333

I like the wood frame with a golden walnut finish.  The wide frame brings out the color of the horse nicely.

Frame Style 2:  17 3/4 x 13 5/8 inches (45.1 x 34.5 cm)

Metal Frame – Frosted Walnut Finish
Premium Luster Photo Paper
Print size: 11 3/4 x 7 5/8 inches (29.9 x 19.4 cm)
Price $248

This is a less expensive frame because it is a slightly smaller print and it is a metal frame instead of hardwood. I like the thin frame look with lots of matting around the print.

Frame Style 3:  18 3/4 x 14 5/8 inches (47.6 x 37.1 cm)

Gallery Frame – Charter Oak
Premium Luster Photo Paper
Print size: 11 3/4 x 7 5/8 inches (29.8 x 19.4 cm)
Price $290

This narrow, oak frame has a rounded edge and a similar, golden color as the horse. This is the same size print and mat as the previous (metal) frame.

Frame Style 4:  41 3/4 x 31 5/8 inches (106 x 80.3 cm)

Fine Hardwood Frame – Narrow Classic Walnut
Premium Luster Photo Paper
Print size: 29 3/4 x 19 5/8 inches (75.6 x 42.2 cm)
Price $1,047

This is the most expensive version. It is a much larger size and it uses premium hardwood. This might be good for a living room or office space.

Frame Style 5:  25 1/4 x 20 1/2 inches (64.1 x 52.1 cm)

Rustica Frame – Barnwood Brown
Premium Luster Photo Paper
Print size: 13 3/4″ x 9″ inches (34.9 x 22.9 cm)
Price $382

I like the rustic, barn-like look of this frame. It suits the horse perfectly in color and in texture. The image size is the same as the first frame, though the frame is a bit wider.

Let me know what you think. I love getting your suggestions.

You can see these new framed prints (shown above) for sale here. Your suggestions in the comments below will be incorporated into the product page.

What kind of photos do you put in a bathroom? Here’s one you might not have considered…

From the Oliver Brake and Muffler series, this sink will make yours look spotless!

What frame do you like best? Do you have any suggestions not seen here?

I love the contrast between a somewhat fancy frame, with a large clean mat, and the dirty sink in the image.

The next frame draws me into the image more. I like the simplicity of the frame and the way that the metal picks-up some of the lighter tones in the wall.

The next one seems so country. I like how its style suits the subject.

The black of the next frame makes me feel like I’m walking through it. I also like how the edge highlights the lighter colors in the wall and sink.

This last frame below is a classic, gallery frame (this frame and the very first one above are larger size – about 17 – 20 inches or 43 – 50 cm). The middle frames are quite small (like about 1 foot in length, around 29 cm). Again, I like the large white area. The simple black frame is completely neutral. I threw in a black edge on the mat, what do you think?

I mentioned more than a week ago, I would love for you to help me create on this blog. I’m still a newbie at framing and would like to hear your input.

The following image taken at Butchart Gardens last month has a few options for framing. I’m kind of leaning towards a black frame because it brings out the curve of the tree trunk in the image. The red frame makes the red leaves and the bridge stand out more, but the trunk is my favorite graphic.

What do you think of the gold trim on the second frame? I’m not sure, maybe distracting.

I also like the bamboo frame at the end. For me, I think it’s between the first frame and the last frame. And I’m leaning towards the simplicity of the first. What do you think?

Is there any frame idea that I didn’t show here? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’ve been inspired by some of my favorite bloggers and twitter friends to make this blog more of a conversation than a one-way broadcast. I’d love to hear your opinions and creative input on anything going on at Todd Smith Photography.

Right now I have a couple of projects that I would love your help with:

• Help Create Framed Prints – I want to start running framing ideas by you to get your opinion. I’d also like to do some research on framing and learn what all the possibilities are. I’ll share my research and would love it if you could leave your tips here too. What kinds of frames do you have in your home?
• Help Create The Best Calendar For Next Year – As many of you know, I didn’t make a calendar this year for several reasons. I tried a new printer, and a new large format, and higher price… and had problems. With your help, I would love to create a calendar for next year (2010) that will be both beautiful and practical for everyone. Your input is essential here. If you haven’t done it yet, please vote in the poll on my blog for your favorite wall calendar size.

If there’s anything you want to hear more about, or new pictures you’d like to see, let me know in the comments section. I’m looking forward to talking and creating with you!

P.S. I just gave my blog a new look. Check it out when you get a chance.