Can anyone give me any advice on new print racks that I need to buy? I've been using the cheap wooden ones for six years now, two of which broke this season. I need ones that have a relatively deep gusset or bottom area to hold a fair amount of prints. I need ones to fit both 12 x 16 and 18 x 24 prints. I was next to another photographer at a show this weekend, and she had the Jack Richeson black canvas medium print racks, that looked nice enough and were much deeper than mine, which was a big plus in my mind. But in reading Amazon reviews, people complained that they were flimsy in construction, especially the legs.
I also looked at the Martin Avanti metal print rack, which is larger. They also have a wooden rack, I think about the same size. First question, if anyone has them, is do they collapse? I have a compact SUV, and I will need to strap them to the roof of my car. Or are they fixed in shape?
Or if anyone else has any other suggestions for products they have or like, I'd love to hear your experience!
Thanks much.
Comments
Thanks for the photo Robert Wallis. I have considered the pro panel bins even though I don't use pro panels yet (covered grid walls right now but the coverings match the pro panels) It helps to see them in action.
Another possibility is a hanging file from either Staples or Office Max. I've used that in the past and they will hold an 18x24 vertically. Those are the steel grid shelving style of file holder. They break down to a small box but require reassembly each time you use them. They were nice looking and held a fair amount of prints as he frame is about 12-14 inches deep. The canvas sling type you mention would be the most convenient. My only advice there is to find one with a flat bottom so the prints are held in a more upright position.
Thanks Robert. Your booth looks great--love the New Orleans shots. However, I don't use propanels, I use Trimline's soft walls--the black mesh walls. I think I will go with the black bins most people seemed to be happy with, unless you have another idea. Space in my car is an issue. Thanks again, Jeneen
I use two 44" Propanel racks. One has the adjustable height and the older one is the standard unit. I've set the older one up with the side panels to the left and right of the front panels. It takes the rack slightly out of square but it allows two sets of 18x24 matted prints to go side by side with one vertical and the other horizontal. I use the newer one for 24x30 pieces and 12x16 pieces in front. I also have a 38" wall mounting Propanel Quick Bin that I use for three rows of 8.5x11 pieces. Here's how I have them set up; large bins back to back, a panel at the end of the bins with the Quick Bin attached.
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thanks everyone for writing in with your experiences. VERY helpful!!! I do not have pro panels, but rather the black mesh soft walls from Trimline, so I will probably opt for the black canvas sling bins. thank you again!
I've used the Richeson type rack from Dick Blick for years. They fold relatively flat, can be moved around fairly easily, can get the equivalent thickness of about 25 prints in them (single mat and foamboard backed) and they still can be flipped through easily.
I originally built my own print bins and frames to hold them. They were designed for nothing larger than an 11x14 matted (8x10) print and only were 12 inches deep to conserve space within the booth.
Remember that anything you add to your display takes up floor space, or with the bins that hang on the walls or are placed against the walls visually block the work because of the bodies of people looking through the bins. Having bins that can be moved around but not take up too much space will allow you to test various placements to see which works best depending on how busy a show you are doing.
For a more professional presentation, I eventually changed over to a Pro Panels 28 inch size bin in light gray. It allowed me to add my larger unframed size.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
I also have the black sling print bins that just fold up and find them to have lasted many years without any problem. The canvas frayed on the sides of one but never any problems with the legs. I may be switching to Pro Panels in the next season or two. I do love their print bins although the price is quite high. They just seem to be very professional and neat looking to me. The smallest is 30" so it may be too wide for your pieces but the gusset is quite large and they fold nice and flat and are very sturdy. No chance of wind knocking these down! But we are talking a serious investment. You can see them on the website if you are curious. But as I said, I have used the same black sling style ones, probably purchased from Dick Blick a dozen yrs ago at least with no problems really.
Thanks very much, Larry. You're right about people not looking at the prints when there are too many in the bin. the Richeson type does have a larger gusset than what I have right now, so that is attractive. It's also great that they collapse to lie flat. Thanks a lot for your advice. Jeneen
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