"Matte Cutting, Print Mounting & Presentation Psychology"
by Mike Di Stefano, MNEC
Monday, October 8, 7:30 PM


The second program for the month is another great hands-on teaching demonstration of print mounting. This is a topic many of our members have requested. You may be unsure about what materials to use or where to buy them. In this workshop Mike will give you the answers by showing you what equipment is required and how to use it effectively. Everything from simple to complex matting methods will be covered. Our speaker will discuss different mounting techniques including easy and quick club competition mats and mounts, archival mats, and mounting methods for the exhibition and sale of your prints. In addition, the psychology of matting will be uncovered to show the different ways a matte affects the presentation of your image. When a judge looks at your prints he not only sees the image but the mount quality and color. Are they complementary to the print? Is the print mount falling apart due to poor preparation? Does it look like it’s been stored for years and is discolored or outdated? All of these things can affect your score from a judge, or perhaps a customer who may want to purchase your print over a dozen others available.

Mike is a member and past president of both the Photographic Society of Rhode Island and the Stony Brook Camera Club. He is also co-founder and president of the newly formed Film Photographers Association and co-chairman of the Ocean State International Exhibition. When he joined the Photographic Society of Rhode Island his interest turned into a passion to learn everything about the world of photography. A vice president on the New England Camera Club Council board of directors, he is chairman of the NECCC B & W Print Circuit. A PSA multi-star rated exhibitor, judge, and lecturer; he has presented programs at various New England clubs, NECCC conferences, and PSA conferences. His photographic interests are diverse, but his traditional wet darkroom black and white printing, competition judging, and presenting workshops and multi-media slide shows are where Mike finds the most enjoyment. He has not joined the high-tech version of digital images and Photoshop, but prefers the old style film version of the fine art of photography and finds peace and solitude away from the rigors of daily life in his darkroom.

You cannot hide a print mount as it is the first thing seen on your print. Join us to learn how to make that first impression a great one.