Framing a photograph adds an extra dimension to it. This is best done by a professional who can help you select the right frame made of materials that fit the photograph.

Frames come in a variety of materials - solid wood with various finishes, metal, molded plastic, and composites with various printed faux veneers. The reality is that it's the finished look that matters, and unless you are looking at a cross section, it's often hard to tell what material a frame is made of.

Frames may use standard picture glass, which gives you scratch and distortion-free viewing, non-glare glass or plexi-glass, which is light, doesn't easily break, but acquires scratches before you know it.

A large percent of custom framing is done with printed faux veneer finishes. These are not wood veneers. They are made by printing a "finish" onto a special paper to give the appearance of a particular color, wood grain/stain, fabric or other texture and then wrapping this veneer around the frame.

This trend is driven by price: printed faux veneer frames are generally less expensive than actual wood. If you're into top-of-the-line framing, make sure you get it. If you're less concerned with the underlying elements, you might want to go for a less expensive option that can look quite similar.

Many framers recommend metal frames for photographs. A majority of photographers actually also prefer these kind of frames. But of course it all depends on your personal preferences and, most important, the surroundings where the photograph will be displayed.

The color of a frame may add or distract from the experience the photograph gives you. This is especially true for metal frames. Play around with the different frames your framer has in stock and see how they make the print look.