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I remember the first time I uploaded some of my images to an online lab getting ready to place a print order for one of my very early on clients. I was wanting to purchase some 8×10′s, but they kept prompting me to crop the picture. I was so confused! I had no idea about my cameras aspect ratio. I hope this helps the newbies out there understand how print sizes work and how you might want to be thinking about this while you shoot.

Definition:

Aspect ratio is the relationship of an image’s width to height, or its proportions.

Every camera shoots in a different aspect ratio. You can find what your camera shoots in by googling the model.

I have a Canon 5d mark ii and my cameras sensor takes photos in the 2:3 ratio. Which just happens to equal out to a 4×6 print. How did I do the math, you ask? Just multiply the aspect ratio by two: 3×2 = 6 and 2×2 = 4 which is 6×4, also known as 4×6.

What is the next print size available at that ratio? Lets see…we’ll take 4 times 2, that gives you 8. Then 6 times 2 and that gives you 12; 4×6 is an 8×12. So, if I choose an 8×10 I’ll loose 20% which is a full 2″ off the image.

Let’s see some visual examples.

 Here is a favorite of mine, that I shot at the I heart faces photowalk back in June of 2010. This is what it looks like out of my camera. (Ratio wise…it has been edited)I can print a 4×6 of this without losing anything.

Now, here is the same image in a 5×7 crop. Not all that much area lost, but if you crop too close in camera, you might lose some important detail in print.

Now, here is the same image in an 8×10 crop. By far one of the most dramatic crops you will find during print. I chose an image as an example that didn’t necessarily lose any important detail, but you can see how easy it is to crop too close in camera and come up short while printing the “standard” size we are all so used to.

If you have been dealing with this and not understood why, I hope this has helped explain…it’s not you or your camera…it just is what it is. You can choose to frame the picture as you wish in camera, or you can choose to give yourself some room to work with instead…so that your clients can order their beloved “standard” size prints. (as a photographer…I very much dislike the “standard” sized prints!!”)If you would like to learn more about this subject, do a google search…google is your friend.Or, check out this link. http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/aspect-ratio.html