Two striking travel photographs recently gave our team at Jubilee Framers the opportunity to combine professional image preparation, large-format photographic printing and custom framing into one carefully coordinated project.
The client wanted both photographs, titled “Tree” and “Petra,” to achieve strong luminosity, rich colour and excellent detail while remaining suitable for long-term display. He also wanted the two works to share a consistent, refined presentation.
To achieve this, our team developed a custom finishing solution using Ilford Metallic photographic paper, aluminium composite mounting, UltraVue anti-reflective glass and minimalist black framing.
Creating a Consistent Presentation for Two Distinct Photographs
Although the photographs differed significantly in format and subject matter, the client wanted them to feel connected when displayed together.
“Tree” features a dramatic desert landscape, with a dark skeletal tree standing against vivid orange dunes and a soft blue sky. “Petra” uses a tall panoramic format to draw the viewer through a narrow passage of dark rock toward the illuminated architecture beyond.
The finished dimensions were:
- Tree: 910 × 1100 mm
- Petra: 1727 × 518 mm
We selected the same print, mounting, glazing and framing treatment for both pieces. This created visual continuity while allowing each image to retain its own character.
Preparing the Images for Large-Format Printing
Large photographic prints reveal details that may remain unnoticed at smaller sizes. Before printing, we carefully reviewed the supplied image files, tonal range, colour reproduction and final cropping.
For the “Tree” image, the client supplied the original RAW file so we could achieve the strongest possible result. Working from the RAW data allowed us to recover more detail throughout the tree, sand and distant dunes. It also produced smoother tonal transitions and cleaner colour reproduction.
We refined the crop by removing some of the less important foreground. This adjustment gave the central tree greater presence and strengthened the overall balance of the composition.
The final file showed improved clarity, depth and tonal separation while maintaining a natural photographic appearance.
Printing on Ilford Metallic Photographic Paper
We printed both photographs on Ilford Metallic Gloss paper.
This premium photographic paper gave the images the luminosity the client wanted while enhancing their contrasting visual qualities. In “Tree,” the metallic surface strengthened the warmth of the orange dunes, the subtle tones in the sand and the definition of the dark tree structure.
For “Petra,” the paper helped intensify the illuminated rock and architectural details visible between the deep, shadowed canyon walls.
Metallic photographic paper works particularly well for images featuring:
- Rich colour and strong contrast
- Reflective or illuminated details
- Landscapes and architectural photography
- Deep blacks and highly saturated tones
- Images that benefit from added depth and luminosity
Rather than using an acrylic face mount with an additional layer of glazing, we recommended printing directly to metallic paper and placing the finished print behind anti-reflective glass. This avoided unnecessary layers while preserving the luminous appearance the client wanted.
Mounting the Prints to Aluminium Composite Panel
We mounted each large-format print to 3 mm aluminium composite panel, also known as Alupanel.
This rigid and stable substrate provides strong support for large photographic prints. It helps keep the artwork flat within the frame and offers a more durable, conservation-conscious alternative to standard MDF mounting.
The aluminium composite backing also kept the presentation relatively slim, which suited the contemporary black frames selected for the project.
Reducing Reflections with UltraVue Glass
Glazing played an important role in this project. The client wanted to protect the photographs while maintaining excellent clarity and reducing distracting reflections.
We fitted both pieces with UltraVue anti-reflective glass.
UltraVue glass significantly reduces visible reflections compared with conventional picture-framing glass. This allows the viewer to see more of the image, particularly in rooms with windows, artificial lighting or changing daylight.
It also complemented the metallic prints by allowing their colour, luminosity and fine detail to remain visible without the heavy reflections that can interfere with darker photographic subjects.
The available UltraVue sheet size also influenced the final dimensions of the panoramic “Petra” piece. We reduced its height slightly while preserving the original proportions, ensuring that it could be glazed correctly without compromising the composition.
Finishing the Photographs with Slim Black Frames
We completed both works with simple black frames.
The dark, understated profile creates a clean boundary around each photograph without competing with the imagery. It also connects naturally with the deep blacks found throughout both compositions.
On “Tree,” the black frame echoes the silhouette of the central tree. On “Petra,” it blends with the shadowed rock formations and reinforces the photograph’s tall architectural format.
The result feels contemporary, elegant and suitable for a wide range of residential or commercial interiors.
Coordinating Collection and Professional Installation
Large framed photographs require careful handling and secure installation. Once our framing team completed and inspected the works, we coordinated their collection with AOH Art of Hanging.
This ensured that the installers received the relevant mounting and hanging information before collecting the finished pieces from our Kelvin Grove workshop.
Professional installation can be especially valuable for oversized framed artwork, as it helps ensure the work sits level, remains secure and suits the structure of the wall.
A Collaborative Fine Art Framing Process
This project evolved through careful discussion, file testing and material selection.
Instead of simply proceeding with the first proposed method, our team considered how each layer of the finished artwork would affect luminosity, reflections, structural support and long-term presentation. We then recommended a unified solution for both photographs.
The client described the completed and installed prints as “outstanding” and praised the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, craftsmanship and attention to detail. He also noted that the finished pieces transformed the photographs into works of art.
Custom Framing and Large-Format Photo Printing in Brisbane
Jubilee Framers works closely with Prolab to provide an integrated service for photographers, artists, interior designers and private collectors.
Our Brisbane team can assist with:
- Large-format photographic printing
- Fine art and metallic photo papers
- Professional image preparation
- RAW file processing and colour adjustment
- Aluminium composite print mounting
- Anti-reflective picture-framing glass
- Custom framing for panoramic photography
- Oversized artwork framing
- Advice for professional art installation
By managing the image preparation, printing, mounting and framing together, we can make sure every material supports the appearance and intended use of the finished artwork.
Discuss Your Large-Format Framing Project
Are you planning to enlarge and frame a landscape, travel photograph, architectural image or panoramic artwork?
Visit Jubilee Framers in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, to discuss your image, display environment and preferred presentation. Our team can recommend a tailored combination of photographic paper, rigid mounting, glazing and custom framing to bring out the strongest qualities in your work.