1. A very traditional approach of adding the illusion of more space to the background of the photograph is to select a mat color or value of a color very similar to the background.  The front of the charcoal grey wood frame,  has a substantial weight to give a sense of proportion to the scale of the image, in this case a portrait.                            

2.  What’s poignant to you is personal. Remain comfortable with what you select as a 3D item to have framed in a shadow box.  We’ll discuss in what manner and size you’d like to have the item, matted, the color surrounding the item, whether I cut a board or also cover it with fabric, and frame your item in wood, metal, clear acrylic box, or create something unusual.    

3. Encouraging your child to continue their creative talent, is a fondness never forgotten.  I speak from the experience of my parents allowing me the indulgence to create Art since the age of six.  There is nothing that replaces a love which allows a child to be continuously nourished, whether they stick with their interests or it often shifts.