uncldave Loc: Mahopac, NY

Photo taken with a6000With aspect ratio of 3 to 2. I’ve got a great Action shot But printing probably a third is automatically cropped out. How can I coordinate my picture size with my printing size

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

What is the ratio of your intended print?

uncldave Loc: Mahopac, NY

5X7”

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Try cropping to 5x7 before printing. Or, pick a print size that is 3x2 (6x4 or 12x8, etc)

uncldave Loc: Mahopac, NY

There were three objects I wanted to capture. The kid being tagged the pitcher running to back up the catcher in the umpire Who is a friend of mine. In Printing I could only capture the pitcher or the umpire. Having difficulty sending photo for better illustration

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Yes, seriously. Not only due to your current technical problem. At photo classes I've talked about wanting to print say a traditional size of 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, and been accused of being old fashion. In-thing is now to stay with the camera's native format ratio, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5. Since I plan my shots including cropping I today tend to stay with the native ratio even if I do crop an edge or two. Thus printing to 4x6", 8x12", 10x15" mainly.

uncldave Loc: Mahopac, NY

Thanks

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Just to add to what people have already said, which is correct. Cameras today have mostly, but not always, a 3:2 ratio, so longer than wider, more of a rectangle. This is great for landscapes and wide shots, but not always the best for close up or animal shots. You can plan ahead when you take the shot. If you want a more traditional size, 8 x 10 or 11 x 14 for example, simply shoot the subject more in the center knowing that you will crop out a bit in post. If, however, you like the longer size shot, which I do, then simply plan to print in a 3:2 ratio: 4 x 6, 8 x 12, 10 x 15, 12 x 18, for the most part. I generally print 10 x 15 and mat for a 16 x 20 frame and it all works out great. Very nice results.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You can't have it both ways. You have three choices. 1) print to full width and resign yourself to larger top and bottom borders, 2)print to full height, and crop the left and right borders, and 3)print to 4x6, 8x12 or some other multiple of 2x3, or keep the same ratio (aspect ratio) of height to width.

uncldave Loc: Mahopac, NY

Thanks

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Check out:

http://www.viewfindermasks.com

ngrea Loc: Sandy Spring, Maryland

I've been lurking on the forum for several weeks now, reading but not posting. Most of the posts have dealt with technical camera issues, but I feel the artistic finished product, including the frame (with or without a mat, color, shape) are important, too, in pulling the viewer into the photo, especially if you plan to exhibit your work. I feel you must let the picture dictate the size and shape. If need be, print it larger and cut it down by hand to the size/shape you need. Some times a photo just needs to be an odd shape. I'm attaching three photos that show framed work I have recently exhibited. As an added note, I find the best frames in thrift shops. Some need some repair, but you can't beat the price. It's amazing what you can pick up for one or two dollars.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

For 4x6 you need 2 to 3. This is standard. This is considered a FULL OUT ie. Everything you see in viewfinder will be in print. And, you will go with a 8x12 instead of an 8x10. If u want an 8x10 you will crop off both ends or go with another ratio that will give u 4x5 and 8x10. I believe this is a 2 to 2.5 ratio.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

This is for the next time, but can you set the camera to default to a larger size while keeping a natural ratio? If the camera makes an 8"x 10", you can probably crop to any size you want without too much pixelation. I set my camera for a large/fine picture @ 72" x 48" (3 X 2) which lets me print almost any size I need.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Your camera makes images in the 3:2 aspect ratio.

In order to make an uncropped image, you need to use a print size with the same aspect ratio. 5x7 will always require some crop. 8x10 would require even more.

Print sizes with 3:2 aspect ratio:

4x6, 6x9, 8x12, 10x15, 12x18 (13x19), 16x24, 20x30.... etc.

A lot of printing papers don't come in those exact sizes. Use the next size larger and trim the print afterward (or just leave the margin if matting the print for framing). For example, to make a 6x9 you might print on an 8x10" or 8.5x11" size paper. Or, to make an 8x12 you will need to print on 11x14" or larger paper. Etc.

If you do this at home with your own printer, make sure it's not set to "reconfigure" the image to force it to fit the paper. That would cause all sorts of distortions.

A powerful reason to use "traditional" sizes is the wider availability of precut mats and ready-made frames to fit them. There are more "standard" sizes than ever offered now... Lot's too choose from. But by "being old school fuddy duddy" and slightly limiting yourself to using those, you can save a ton of money compared to having custom matting framing done for odd sizes. Go to Aaron Brothers or similar place and check out what's available. I can frame an 11x14 print with a precut, museum quality mat and very nice, ready-made frame for around $25 to $40. Custom mats and framing around the same size costs $75 to $125, at least.

P.S. Photographic prints on papers should NEVER be framed in direct contact with glass. That will ruin the print over time. Always use a mat or similar to create an air space between the print and the glass. If you don't want the effect of a mat, use some shims of similar thickness hidden under the edge of the frame.