Question re: cropping and printing

[Mickey Fliers]

I recently uploaded some images to have printed. Unfortunately, one of the images needed to be cropped before the service would print in 8x10. This really bummed me out b/c I loved the image without the crop. How can I keep this from happening again? I am doing something wrong when I shoot or when I post process?

TIA!

 

[scoot241]

I believe the camera is 4x6 or close to it, which is a 2:3 ratio. 8x10 isn't a 2:3 ratio (it's 4:5), so it needs to be cropped.

 

[Chikabowa]

Previous poster is correct... When you take a picture straight-out-of-camera (SOOC), the picture is essentially a 4x6 ratio in sizing. That means, you can print any variation of that ratio is not have anything cropped. The most standard size (close to 8x10) using that ratio is an 8x12 print.

Otherwise, if you print at an 8x10 size, you are printing at a 5:4 ratio - which means that you'll have some cropping going on.

For the future, if you know you are going to be printing in 8x10 size, step back and allow yourself a little room on either edge of your frame so that you allow for the crop. Or, if your camera has the function, turn it to shoot 5:4 ratio and you'll be ok there too (but I think only the pro-level cameras have that function).

 

[GrillMouster]

I believe the camera is 4x6 or close to it, which is a 2:3 ratio. 8x10 isn't a 2:3 ratio (it's 4:5), so it needs to be cropped.

If I'm taking a picture that I know is going to be cropped to anything other than the native ratio (2:3) I make sure to leave space for cropping around the subject when framing the shot in-camera. If you want to keep the native ratio print the image at a 8x12. If your lab doesn't print 8x12, find another lab that does or print to the next larger size, adding a border around the image so the canvas matches the new ratio, but the original image is still 2:3. 8x12 frames aren't as common as 8x10 frames, but they are out there. Alternately, you can use a larger frame and mat board with an 8x12 cutout.

 

[MICKEY88]

I find it best to always allow extra room for cropping that way you're safe.. in cases where I don't leave enough space I prefer to add a black border

 

[VVFF]

I believe the camera is 4x6 or close to it, which is a 2:3 ratio. 8x10 isn't a 2:3 ratio (it's 4:5), so it needs to be cropped.

Close, the ratio is actually 4:3 or in terms of relative size to a 4x6 print 4 x 5.33. This means, unfortunately, that unless the printing company has special "digital" paper(which only means its cut to the slightly smaller 4 x 5.33 size) all images will be cropped if taken to "typical" aspect ratios. 8 x 10 is actually less of a crop with digital than it is with standard pictures taken at a 4 x 6 ratio.

Hope this helps.

 

[fitzperry]

Close, the ratio is actually 4:3 or in terms of relative size to a 4x6 print 4 x 5.33. This means, unfortunately, that unless the printing company has special "digital" paper(which only means its cut to the slightly smaller 4 x 5.33 size) all images will be cropped if taken to "typical" aspect ratios. 8 x 10 is actually less of a crop with digital than it is with standard pictures taken at a 4 x 6 ratio.

Hope this helps.

Doesn't it depend on the type of camera you're using? Most (all?) dslr's have a native ratio of 3:2, whereas I believe most digicams are 4:3.

As for 8x12 prints, they are pretty widely available these days (Costco, Mpix and others). I've had more difficulty finding 8x12 frames or precut mats, but I just bought a bunch of 12x18 frames at Target and had mats cut for them with 8x12 openings.

 

[VVFF]

Doesn't it depend on the type of camera you're using? Most (all?) dslr's have a native ratio of 3:2, whereas I believe most digicams are 4:3.

As for 8x12 prints, they are pretty widely available these days (Costco, Mpix and others). I've had more difficulty finding 8x12 frames or precut mats, but I just bought a bunch of 12x18 frames at Target and had mats cut for them with 8x12 openings.

Correct, it does depend on the sensor. I was limiting it to the most common case to avoid more confusion.

 

[jann1033]

i found this annoying as well so went with a source that prints whatever size you send( they determine how big by the resolution and size of the original sent) their frames are pricey( ie a 11x14 framed in a wood frame with a double mat and glass would be over $120 but that is probably less than Michaels or some place similar would do it for .). just the prints ( giclee) are about $10 for an approx 8x10 on enhanced matte paper but the few i have had printed have looked really good. i figure for my own use or if i want to sell them locally i will just cut the mat myself and make it a frame size i can find.
the place i use is imagekind but there are probably lots of other similar places ( the first link in my sig)

 

[jrc-elpaso]

It's a good idea to crop your photo yourself using photo editing software (I use Picasa) and then save the file with a different name so you have both. That way you're in charge of how the shot is cropped rather than your photo print company. I rarely leave a photo alone - a little cropping usually is an improvement.