Using the virtual world of digital matting techniques, it is possible to create more elaborate accent styles at lower cost.  Where traditional matting techniques use real materials, digital methods can create similar effects using much less expensive virtual images. One interesting new technique explored by this article is called the “picture in picture” technique.

A large part of using this technique is to find ways to allow a photograph to be both the focus point and its own matting highlights.  There are several interesting variations that arise from applying this framing method. Essentially, the main ingredients are to use a larger and intentionally blurred version of a photo as the main matte background, while imposing a smaller, sharpened image in the center and foreground of the matte.  The sharper defined image may then be further highlighted using virtual insets, solid color matches from the photo, color blends, or variations of these approaches to complete the desired effect. 

Other variations might come with creating outer edge variations of color or texture, while keeping the focused image at the center or some intentional offset location.  In some cases, a tunnel image effect may help to draw focus on the sharper image as the blurred forms step down to the intended target.

Though the picture in picture style is not the best choice for all photographs, it does offer some real attention getting results for a variety of subjects and colors.  Creating mattes for any kind of art, whether it is paintings, photos, or prints is all about finding ways to accent and focus viewers on the displayed subject.  Many bland or neutrally colored mattes, which are seen almost everywhere, merely draw the viewer’s eye to the work surrounded by the matte.  More colorful and ornate matte designs help to accentuate details or enrich aspects of the work.  Matting can reinforce mood or suggest a context for photos. 

Traditional matting continues to do the job of adding a professional looking touch to a framed subject.  When a bolder statement is needed, the picture in picture technique will capture attention in a fresh way.  Best of all, using the digital application of this approach will cost less than trying to reproduce a physically layered equivalent. 

Examples of picture in picture matting techniques

When digital photography first began, the novelty of taking pictures without processing film was crude but promising to the imagination of people who paid their money to try out this new technology.  As the digital revolution gained momentum, leading photographic companies began to see the writing on the wall, and the rapid movement away from film based photography for mainstream consumers became commonplace. 

Today, innovation continues across this wide new landscape for capturing and presenting images.  Not surprisingly, digital picture frames arrived on the scene in 2007 to give consumers a new way to think about their photos and how to display them.  Despite these increasing areas of innovation, there was still a traditional area of photography that lagged behind the other new and exciting concepts…until now. 

In the quest to maximize the presentation and value of good photographs, many people used the traditional resource of professional framing and matting services to accomplish the effect of appropriately highlighting pictures and works of art.  If you have ever gone to a frame shop, you know just how fast showcasing a photo can become an expensive enterprise costing hundreds of dollars.  Hopefully, after paying all that money, you wound up with something you actually wanted to display on your wall. 

Over the years, there have been many interesting techniques developed for creating a wide variety of matte styles.  From simple to exotic mattes, the price for this service has driven hobbyists to try their own hand at creating adequate styles, but the bulky materials and cutters keep the costs of do-it-yourself efforts high as well.  Surprisingly, I have found few people other than myself who have taken the next step in the digital revolution by creating digital mattes to go along with printing photos. 

There are a number of distinct advantages over traditional matting services that come with using the virtual world of digital mattes:

1. LOWER COST – Because digital mattes are created from “virtual” materials rather than real poster board, metals, wood, and other inlay  materials, the cost of labor and matting supplies have been significantly reduced when compared to traditional services, while still achieving very rich looking results, for less than what it costs to print one 8 x 10 copy of your picture in some cases!  

2. BETTER COLOR MATCHING – When traditional framers matte pictures, they must rely on choosing from existing supplies of colored matte materials, or special order specific colors to compliment your photographs.  With digital matting techniques, exact matches and complimentary highlights can be accomplished without special orders for basic matting materials. 

3. MULTI MEDIA PRESENTATION -  When a photograph is digitally matted, you get a copy of your original photo that can be displayed in any of the growing number of multi media methods used for showing digital images.  These methods include digital picture frames, computers, monitors, or even printed and placed directly into a traditional frame, with the picture perfectly matted and set for display. 

4. IMAGE STAYS FRESH – Unlike a traditional photograph, a digital photo that has been digitally matted will not lose its brilliance over time.  If a printed copy starts to look deteriorated, all you have to do is print off a fresh copy and replace the old one.

5. LASTING VALUE – Once your photos have been digitally matted, the mattes will remain as fresh as the pictures, so if you want to duplicate your pictures for others to enjoy, all you need to do is make them a copy of your original matted photograph. 

6. CONVENIENCE – Our digital matting services do not require driving to drop off your photos, and driving back to pick up your finished matted pictures.  The entire transaction can be handled in an easy on line transaction. 

7. PROFESSIONAL RESULTS – Our digital matting services allow you to display your photographs with confidence in the rich looking results.  As gifts, the photographs will get the attention you expect from a product that shows you put in the extra effort a thoughtful gift deserves.  If you plan to resell your photos, a digital matte can increase the presentation value of your photographs.

8. TURN TRADITIONAL PRINTS TO DIGITAL – If you have a traditional printed photo that you would like to digitize, we can scan your photograph and digitally matte the results.  Digitalizing your printed photographs will help them be preserved without further deterioration, and give you a chance to store them more efficiently.   Think of the digital photo and matting ability as a perfect combination for lighting both your pictures and their surrounding highlights.

9. NEW TECHNIQUES POSSIBLE – Using digital matting techniques there are new accent possibilities available that are not offered using the traditional matting approach.  These methods increase the unique possibilities and value of your photo treasures.

One of many variations possible with digital matting techniques