Behind the Frame: How GH Fine Art Photography Is Made

Behind the Lens

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Discover how Grace Hinchen fine art photographs are personally printed, signed, and handcrafted into frames in Sag Harbor, New York.
Behind the Frame: How GH Fine Art Photography Is Made

Over Thanksgiving, one of my brothers asked me to walk him through the process of creating his recent piece: Southern Steps of Bondi in our Gallery size, White Frame for his new home.

Fine art printing and framing is a craft in itself, with thoughtful details at every stage.

From personally printing and signing each photograph to handcrafting the final frame, every Grace Hinchen piece is carefully produced in Sag Harbor, New York.

Here's a look behind the scenes at how each piece comes together.

Step 1: Fine Art Photography Printing

Every Grace Hinchen photograph is personally printed in-house using the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100, a professional large-format printer featuring Canon's LUCIA PRO pigment-based inks for rich colors, fine detail, and smooth tonal transitions.

Each photograph is printed on Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta Satin 300gsm, an archival-quality fine art paper chosen for its subtle texture, satin finish, and natural white base. Acid-free and free from optical brighteners, the paper produces deep blacks, rich colors, and exceptional image clarity.

Each print is finished with a white border to create space around the image and enhance its presentation within the frame.

  • Small prints: 1-inch white border

  • Medium, Large, and Gallery prints: 2-inch white border

The result is a clean, matless presentation that allows the photograph to remain the focus.

Fine art photography being printed on the Canon Prograf 4100 large format printer.Printing in-house on the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100.

Step 2: Mounting and Signing

Once printed, each photograph is carefully mounted onto a board, keeping the print smooth and flat while helping prevent rippling or warping over time. I then personally sign each photograph in the bottom right corner using an archival pen, adding a final touch before framing.

Hand-signed fine art photograph with a white border on archival paper.Each fine art photograph is personally signed before framing.

 

Step 3: Handcrafted Wooden Frames

Our wooden frames are handcrafted in Sag Harbor and available in three finishes: Natural Oak, White, and Black.

Each frame features a modern, matless shadow box design, with approximately ¼–⅜ inch of space between the photograph and the glass.

The combination of the white print border, natural materials, and subtle depth creates a clean, gallery-style presentation that allows the photograph to remain the focus.

Handcrafted natural oak shadow box frame for fine art photography.Handcrafted natural oak with a matless shadow box finish.

Step 4: Conservation Glass and Final Assembly

Preserving the photograph is just as important as its presentation.

Every frame is fitted with Tru Vue Conservation Clear glass, which blocks up to 99% of UV rays to help protect the photograph from fading.

Spacers keep the photograph separated from the glass, while a protective Coroplast backing seals the frame.

Finally, hanging hardware is attached, and each piece is carefully finished, ready to display in your home.

Southern Steps of Bondi fine art photograph in a handcrafted white frame.Southern Steps of Bondi, shown in our Large Oak frame.

 

Fine Art Photography Frame Sizes

Our framed photographs are available in four sizes, designed for everything from intimate spaces to large statement walls.

Size Print Dimensions Framed Dimensions
Small 11" × 17" 12.5" × 18.5"
Medium 18" × 24" 19.5" × 25.5"
Large 24" × 36" 25.5" × 37.5"
Gallery 31.5" × 44" 33" × 45.5"

 

Not sure which size is right for your space? Explore our Wall Art Size Guide for styling advice and examples of each size in a home.

Thoughtfully Made in Sag Harbor

From the first print to the final frame, every Grace Hinchen photograph is made to order with an emphasis on quality materials, careful craftsmanship, and lasting presentation.

The result is a finished piece of fine art photography, personally printed, signed, and handcrafted into a frame in Sag Harbor, New York.

Explore the Fine Art Photography Collection

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the photography frames handmade?

Yes. Each wooden frame is handcrafted in Sag Harbor, New York, and available in natural oak, white, or black.

Does the glass protect photographs from fading?

We use Tru Vue Conservation Clear glass, which blocks up to 99% of UV rays to help protect the photograph. We also recommend keeping framed artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight.

Do framed photographs arrive ready to hang?

Yes. Every framed photograph arrives fully assembled with hanging hardware attached, ready to display in your home.

Read more Frequently Asked Questions.