There’s something truly special about the moment a client walks in with a piece that instantly catches your eye and your heart. That was exactly the case at Frame Today Gosford when Maryna and I had the pleasure of framing a breathtaking photograph of a black cockatoo, captured mid-flight by renowned nature photographer Stephen Pidgeon.
From the moment our client unrolled the oversized print on our design table, we knew this was going to be something remarkable. The black cockatoo, with its glossy feathers fanned out in motion and a mischievous glint in its eye, almost seemed to leap off the paper. It had such energy and presence - bold, expressive, and full of character.
Our client had come across the image online and immediately felt drawn to it. As she explained, it wasn’t just the technical brilliance of the photograph that won her over, but the personality of the bird itself. “He looks cheeky, like he’s showing off,” she said, smiling. That playful, showy charm made the artwork feel alive. It was more than just a photograph; it was a portrait of spirit and movement.
Finding the Right Frame to Let the Photo Speak
When it came to framing, the customer had a clear vision; she wanted something simple and elegant that wouldn’t compete with the image but instead highlight its power. We love helping clients bring their ideas to life, and our design consultation is all about collaboration and discovery. After trying out a range of combinations using matboard and frame samples, we landed on the perfect pairing:
- A clean, crisp Glacier White mat board, which created a bright border and subtle contrast against the dark tones of the cockatoo's feathers.
- An Italian Classic, 40mm wide flat black frame - sleek, understated, and timeless. It gave the photo structure and polish, without drawing attention away from the subject.
This combination was not only visually balanced but also elegant in its simplicity, and exactly what this piece needed.
Framing : Working with Oversized Art
One of the unique aspects of this job was the size of the print. It was much larger than a typical photographic artwork, which meant we had to use an oversized mat board and carefully measure to ensure the dimensions stayed within the tolerances of our glass. Thankfully, the sheet fit just under the maximum glass size we carry in store, which meant we didn’t need to custom order specialty glazing, keeping the turnaround time efficient and the cost reasonable for our customer.
Despite the challenges, the process went smoothly thanks to the careful planning and teamwork between Maryna and me. At Frame Today, we’re trained to handle everything from delicate textiles to large-scale photographic works, and it’s always rewarding to see it all come together.
A Place of Honour
Once completed, the final piece was nothing short of stunning. The black cockatoo, framed with clean lines and subtle contrast, truly came to life. The customer was overjoyed when she came to collect it, and even more so when she told us where it would be displayed; right above her piano, where it could inspire and delight every day.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.
Framing is more than just putting a border around an image - it’s about preserving something meaningful, helping it shine, and making sure it fits seamlessly into someone’s space and lifestyle.
Bringing Your Artwork to Life
If you have a piece of art, photography, or a treasured memory you’d love to showcase, come visit us at Frame Today for picture framing on the Central Coast or find a framing store near you.
Whether you’re working with something oversized or simply want the perfect finish to a beloved image, we’re here to help you find a frame that complements your piece beautifully.
We believe in framing what matters, and this black cockatoo was a joy to help take flight.
About the Author
Stephanie is a custom framing expert at Frame Today Gosford, where she loves helping customers bring their vision to life. With an eye for detail and a passion for design, she specialises in finding creative, elegant framing solutions for artwork of all shapes and sizes.
