Frames

A relatively new product in the digital imaging industry is what has become known as the digital picture frame. These clever devices use a flat-panel TFT (usually just referred to as LCD) screen to electronically store and display digital photos, which can be transferred directly between the picture frame and your digital camera. They can be powered by either batteries or an AC adapter power supply that plugs into your mains wall socket, and are capable of storing between thirty and more than a thousand digital photos, depending on the frame, the size of the files, and the capacity of the memory card being used. While most people are probably aware of the numerous advantages of digital photography, there have always been a few areas where modern digital imagery simply didn’t offer what people wanted out of their photos. With only a slightly wider profile than a normal picture frame, a digital picture frame retains all the benefits of digital photography, combining them with the convenience and most of the features people liked about conventional paper photos.

Digital picture frames solve most of the remaining problems people have about digital photography in a simple, easy to use, and cost effective manner. One of the main problems people have is that they don’t have the time, opportunity, or knowledge required to view their pictures on the computer any time they feel like going through their albums. Digital picture frames solve this easily, as all prominent models on the market can store multiple images, and display them as a slide show. Most models allow the user to flip through each photograph one by one, much like they would with an old photo album. Older users, or the very young, who may not be familiar with computers, or may have no desire to learn, will enjoy the practical and straight-forward interface offered by these products. Learning how to use one could be compared to learning just the basic functions of a new television remote-control.

Digital picture frames allow the user to leave a photo on display for the long term, much like a conventional picture frame. This eliminates the cost of maintaining a printer and buying consumables, and allows you to have your picture of choice on display without tying up the computer.

When making a purchasing decision, you should compare the feature set offered by the different models available, with regard to your budget, and what you want from digital picture frames. Some things to consider include:

• Media types: The number of different storage media that a single device can use – for example, SmartCard™, CompactFlash™ etc, and whether the device can accept multiple types. Remember to check which media type your existing digital camera uses.
• Power options: How long the photo viewer’s batteries last, what type of batteries it takes, and whether it has a power supply to run plug straight into the wall socket are all important to consider.
• Physical dimensions: What size it is, how heavy, the look you’re after, and how you intend to use it. If you want to carry a digital picture viewer around in your briefcase or pocket, you’ll want a smaller, lighter model.
• Data transfer interfaces. Some models allow you to transfer pictures between your computer and picture frame via serial or USB interface, in addition to the normal camera memory cards.
• Various advanced features: The ability to connect the device directly to the Internet, and use it to send pictures to someone else who also has one is an example of just one deluxe feature.

Having laid down the criteria, it is possible to have a quick look at some of the products on the market today. The very cheapest digital picture frames start at about $85. These offer a very narrow feature set, with a tiny viewing area, rarely no larger than 3”, with relatively low quality image reproduction. For something of this size, you’re probably better off simply viewing with your existing digital camera, or viewing its image on your television, a task most digital cameras are capable of doing to some capacity. Most of the frames on the market, however, fall between $200 and $450, so we’ll have a very brief look at three such items.

VideoChip Wallet
While being a smaller model, the VideoChip Wallet has an appealing set of features, and is probably the choice for portability. If you prefer to carry your photos around with you wherever you go rather than setting a frame up on a side-table, then this is probably the one for you. The Wallet uses only CompactFlash card media, meaning that the number of photos you can store is limited only by the size of the JPEG or Bitmap files (.jpg, .bmp), and the storage capacity of your CF card. While the viewing area is just 4” with a 230×200 pixel display, it still manages to impress, weighing in at less than 11 ounces! It can be run directly off the included AC adapter, which also charges the internal 3 volt lithium batteries. This allows 3 hours continuous viewing between charges, and you don’t have to worry about changing batteries, as you can simply just plug it in again to recharge, much as you would a cell-phone. VideoChip Wallets offer rudimentary viewing options, either as a static image, a slide-show, as well as the option of several animated image transitions. They can be bought for about $350, making a Wallet a hefty purchase, considering that the main feature is its compact profile. But if you’re always on the move, or delight in showing your friends and family your photos wherever you are, then maybe this is the one for you.

Ceiva Internet Connected Picture Frame
This really is a remarkable product. Ceiva boasts this as the world’s first web-enabled digital picture frame. When you buy one of these, Ceiva signs you up with a subscription for their service for a period of time – usually a year – then you simply plug a spare phone line into the rear of the frame. At a scheduled time, say, at night when you’re not making calls, the frame’s integrated dial-up modem connects directly to Ceiva’s servers and synchronizes with your account on their service, which you can configure from your home Internet connection, or by phone if you don’t have a PC! In this way, you can download new pictures every day, or send them to family and friends also on the service. The frame itself stores only 30 JPEG images, however, your Ceiva account can store thousands, in almost any digital picture format you care to name. Viewing options are wide and flexible, with a full complement of features. The frame is powered only by an AC adapter for constant use, meaning it is not especially portable. It features a large 8.2” LCD display, making it easily one of the biggest on the market. Ceiva is currently offering a deal for three frames plus a free digital camera with new subscriptions for $340. For what is included this is an excellent purchase, however, if all you want is a digital picture frame, and you are not so much concerned with the Internet capabilities, then you may find the small storage capacity and lack of other more rudimentary features too restrictive.

DigiFrame DF-560
If what you’re after is a medium sized viewing area, with high-quality image reproduction and the most flexible range of features, then the DF-560 is for you. The DF-560 accepts both SmartCard media and CompactFlash cards, stores up 1,500 images on board, which display on a 5.6” high resolution 640×480 pixel LCD display. Also designed for constant, or all-day use, it is not battery powered, but runs off the included AC adapter. It offers changeable cosmetic frames, which allow the user to have a wood finish, if they’re after the authentic look, or something sleek and modern, giving an impression of brushed stainless steel, as well as everything in between. Again, you don’t need a PC to run this, as it has everything it needs on board, and images can be transferred via either of the storage card slots. However, if you do wish to use it in conjunction with a PC, it has a 9-pin serial port on the side, and includes a cable and software to allow you to transfer files directly between your PC and the frame, at a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 128kbps, or slightly better than twice the speed of a dial-up Internet connection. The DF-560 offers the widest range of slide-show transition effects, and allows you to prepare a number of customized slide shows using the images of your choice, all on the same card. As well as scaling large images down on the fly, which it is able to do with the inclusion of its relatively powerful processor, this digital picture frame packs a host of other features. All of this comes at a price, however, and while the feature set is great, the DF-560 retails somewhere around the $560 mark.

If you’re in the market for something to put your digital photographs on display or to show to friends, then one of these could be for you. There are more than just the three digital picture frames reviewed here out there, and this brief examination is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you an idea of what the different features on offer are, and what to base your decision on. If you’re after portability, then VideoChip’s Wallet may be for you. If the idea and the possibilities of an invention such as an Internet digital picture frame really appeals to you, the Ceiva frame is a logical choice, and cost effective at that. If all-round solid performance and flexibility is what you’re after, and you’ve got a budget to match, then give the DF-560 serious consideration.

Personalized picture frames make the perfect gift. If you have a need for an anniversary gift, a wedding present, or a baby shower gift, consider personalizing a picture for your loved ones. Really, these work great for gifts at all times of the year including holidays and birthdays. By personalizing them it helps to make them special and even more meaningful to you, and to the person that will be receiving it. Once complete, you may wish that someone would create these picture frames for you, too.

One way to make personalized picture frames that are meaningful is to select the right picture. Find a picture frame that is interesting or shows a memory that you share with the person that you love. Find a special memory of something that will bring a smile to their face and to your own. Perhaps a trip that the two of you took or a special memory from when you were children will work. The bottom line is that you want to find a way to touch their heart.

To personalize the picture frame, engrave a special message into it. Or, present the gift as a professional framed photo. You can have it done custom for an even more amazing look. The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can take that one special memory that you have and transform it into the perfect gift for someone. There will be no gift that means more to them. A poem, a special message or even the date that the event occurred, all mean a lot to those that are receiving this gift.

Personalized picture frames can be purchased throughout the web by framing professionals. You will also find a number of ways to do the personalizing of them. To touch their heart, consider these personalized messages of love

I am not very good at keeping a scrapbook together. I love the idea, and I do love to do them, but I simply do not have the time to do them as I wish I could. I like to commemorate special times and vacations though, and I always take a lot of photos when we go away. Instead of worrying about getting things into a scrapbook, I decided to start using collage picture frames to hold my memories. This has worked out well for me, and I am glad that I have decided that this is the way to go.

I buy large collage picture frames each time I have a new adventure that I wish to remember in detail. I choose among the pictures for the very best ones, and those are the ones I print out on my computer, or have done at the local photo shop. I put them in the collage picture frames, and then I also add anything else that might help us remember. This might be something like ticket stubs, or any other keepsake from the vacation. It’s not possible to do with for every small trip we take, but I always do it for the very special occasions.

The one problem I do have is space. I have my collage picture frames hanging in my bedroom, but I am running out of space. Until I have a larger home with an office to hang them in, I am going to have to be very choosy about what pictures and events I wish to have in collage picture frames. They can be overwhelming in a small space. However, they are a quick and easy way to remember the important moments, and they are always right there when you want to look at them without having to dig out the scrapbook.

The best thing about collage picture frames is that they are easy to find, and they come in a lot of different styles. It’s rather simple to find one that will reflect the style of your home and blend in well with your décor. They also range in price, so you don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent one. They are easy to fill, and you don’t have to have a lot of time to put one together. They can also be found with plastic instead of glass if you are worried about breakage.

We all have seen paintings being used in our home interiors. They play a major role when it comes to decorating an interior space.

There are basically two types of frames, first are the photographs captured using a camera and others are hand drawn sketches or paintings. There are two major aspects to a picture frame, the frame itself and the subject of the picture.

When it comes to the subject of the picture a vast majority and almost infinite subjects are available to choose from. Photos or hand drawn pictures of birds, animals, natural beauty, people, portraits, birds, scenery, architecture, cityscapes, mountains, oceans and sea, geometric shapes, non-geometric shapes, abstract shapes, strokes, flowers, interiors, vehicles, and a whole lot
more…can be “framed” to form a beautiful picture frame.

When it comes to choosing the exact subject of the picture frame, one must recognize the surroundings of the interior space, location where the picture frame is going to appear, the quality and dimensions of the wall surface where the picture frame will appear. It is always not true that the picture will be put on the wall. Sometimes small frames standing on the table can greatly
add the liveliness of a room.

It is important to consider that we are going to use the painting as a “filler” on the wall. The space on the wall, which is empty, gets filled up with interesting array of colors present in the picture. Colors attract the attention of the visitor and creates moods in his/her mind.

Let’s see an example of how a picture frame creates moods in our mind. Here I use 4 photographs of kittens and frame them to for picture frames to use on an empty wall in my bedroom. I locate these frames such that I see them prominently when I enter the bedroom. The real life photos of kittens instantly create a soothing and compassionate feelings in me which are in tune with how I feel in my bedroom sleeping on my bed.

On the other hand if I use a photo of the “Ford Mustang” , my feelings would be more of a alert nature because of the various memories attached to it previously. On the other hand if I use the Ford Mustang photo in my study room, that would greatly help to warm up the atmosphere.

That’s why subjects that create a soothing mindset such as natural beauty, photos/portraits of children, etc.. can be used where the human activity is of low nature such as bedrooms, bathrooms, etc..

There is one more element that can affect the choice of a picture frame in an interior space. The “design theme” of a space must be given importance while selecting the picture. If the interior design theme is of oriental nature, then picture with more use of colors will look good. This is because in an oriental design style more emphasis is given on “decorative elements” such as
drapes, cornices, tiny plaster treatments, window and door frames, decorations in brass, etc..

To enhance the continuity of this theme on the empty wall surface a painting with more detailed subject should be used. Picture of natural scenery is best suited for this, because “nature” is full of variety of colors and their shades, that can greatly enhance the beauty of the space.

A little creative thinking can add some more interest to the picture. For example what if I totally remove the frame which holds the picture intact and “press” the picture between two glass plates. Only metallic clamps at the four corners can be used to hold the glass plates together. Artificial light used in the room will then cast a shadow of the picture on the wall behind and can add “depth” to the picture surface.

Picture frames with the ability to replace the picture is a good starting point. This give s to control to test what’s good and impressive in your room. This article was just a starting point to ignite the imagination in your mind. I hope it has helped you and you have enjoyed the text.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Wood frames allow for some of the most unique and virtually beautiful designs for holding your favorite photos. Although you may not realize it, photo frames are a great way for you to add decoration and character to your home. Sometimes, these photo frames can be expensive, though, especially when you are looking for something unique or something large. You can make your own, though.

To do so, you have two options. You can purchase a picture frame kit which can be found fairly easily on the web. Or, you can visit your local framing store, become shocked by the price and decide that you need to design your own! To do that, follow these simple instructions.

1. Find your favorite type of wood. You can use pine, oak or any type of wood that you like the grain on. You’ll need enough to cover each side of the photo you are mounting, plus at least an inch more.

2. Stain or paint the wood. This doesn’t have to be difficult and stain can be quite inexpensive. Choose the colors that match your home or the colors that you enjoy.

3. Cut four pieces of wood at 45 degree angles so that they fit together into a square. Each piece will need to 45 degree cuts going outwards. Fit together with staples or small finishing nails.

4. You will need to purchase a thin piece of glass or use a clear piece of plastic for the outward of the frame. Then, add a professional style (but inexpensive) mat board to help frame the photo. Your photo goes in finally and then a piece of cardboard on the end. Use nails to help keep the backing in.

Designing your own wood frames is easy and it’s an affordable way to decorate your home and truly have a unique look.