MATTING and LABELING YOUR PHOTOS for the KY STATE FAIR

All State Fair entries (that is the entry including the mat, not just the photo) must be 16” X 20” in total, including the mat. (Note—a photograph that is, itself, 16” X 20” is acceptable, as long as it is secured to a mat board or a foam core board.)  Photo prints that are 8" X 10" or 11" X 14" can be printed for a reasonable price, and are a good size for competitions.  Photographs that are less than 71 square inches are not acceptable.  A ratio of 3:1 for panorama photographs is encouraged as long as the entire photograph is a total of 71 square inches (the width multiplied by the height.)

TO ATTACH ENTRY LABELS TO YOUR KY STATE FAIR ENTRIES:

-->  Tear off the claim tag of your entry and keep it in a safe place. You will need it to claim your entry when you pick it up after the Fair.
-->  Write your name on the bottom of the front of the entry tag where it says "Exhibitor."  The title of the photo or your club membership may appear under your name. 
-->  Fold the bottom of the entry tag up and tuck it under the flap so that your name and any other information is hidden.
-->  Turn your mounted photograph over so you are looking at the BACK of the mat. 
-->  Write your name and phone number at the bottom of the BACK of the mat. (Your name must never appear on the front of the mat.)
-->  Looking at the BACK of the mat, tape the string of the entry tag (the string is usually yellow) to the top RIGHT corner of the back of the mat, leaving enough string for the tag to hang over the top of the mat.
-->  Turn the mat over and make sure that the tag is now hanging over the top left side of the FRONT of the mat, with your name on the entry tag completely covered.

TO MAT YOUR OWN PHOTOS:

There are several places where 16 X 20 mat board can be purchased.  Ben Franklin’s in Middletown and also Hobby Lobby in So. Indiana and in KY have inexpensive mat board.  NOTE:  POSTER BOARD IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!  It is not heavy enough. 

 A photograph can be placed on the mat board with double-sided tape.  This is called “floating.”  But you must be sure that the photograph is secure, and the mat board is sturdy.  It is a cardinal sin to have your photograph fall off of or out of your matting.  A strong mat board should be used or the result will be too flimsy.  Do not tape the photograph to a single mat board that has the photo area cut out where the photo shows through, unless you place an additional mat board on the back of the entry.  There is not enough protection for the photo showing through the hole without a mat behind it. 

Small “photo corners” can also be used.  These are available at craft stores.  MAKE SURE YOUR PHOTO IS SECURE!

The cost of "scrap" mat board at Ben Franklin’s is $2.00, and it is even cheaper at Hobby Lobby if you can catch a sale.  Ben Franklin will cut an opening in the mat board for you for $3.00.  The cut board can then be attached to a second uncut board, with your photo showing through the cut.  This gives the entry extra strength.  The cut board is attached to the second board with duct tape which is used as a hinge.  Be sure the duct tape is taped to what will be the insides of the presentation.  Cost of the matting:  $2 for each board and $3 for cutting = $7.00 total, plus tax and cost of tape.  See below for how to assemble the mats.

Do-It-Your-selfers can get their own mat cutter from any company that supplies mat cutters.  You can go on the internet to find the best deals. 

“Clear Bags” (plastic bags into which you can put your entry and which can be sealed) can be purchased from www.clearbags.com.  This company also offers mat board in large quantities at reasonable prices.  The clear bags are useful in protecting your matted photos, and can also be ordered in small sizes for people who make their own greeting cards.  "Clear Bags" can also be purchased from Louisville Photograph Society at the State Fair at entry time.

TO ASSEMBLE YOUR PHOTO MAT: