Whoo, boy. I am so far behind with my blog posts it’s crazy! I made a list the other day and I have 3 weddings and umpteen portrait sessions to catch you up on. But I’m trying to make sure all of my clients have their galleries up and prints in hand, so blogging what I’m up to is taking a back seat until I get through this holiday crunch. At least that means there will be lots of pretty green things to look at this winter!
But before anyone else places their print orders this fall, I wanted demonstrate how 8×12 is often a much better print size to order than an 8×10. Why? Because my camera takes pictures in a 2×3 ratio. So prints that are 4×6, 8×12, or 16×24 (or any other multiple of 2×3) require no cropping at all. But ordering an 8×10 means that two full inches will be cropped from the photo from the long side. Sometimes, there’s no problem with that because I’ve left a lot of negative space in the image. But often that cropping will result in chopped off feet, a really tight frame, or other undesirable results.
Want to see what I mean? Here are two examples, recently ordered by a couple from their August wedding as 8×10s.
In this first photo, by cropping to 8×10, the entire top of the gorgeous flowered canopy is cut off (right). But the 8×12 image (left) shows the top of the canopy and still has some breathing room. Isn’t it nicer?
The second example isn’t quite as dramatic, but the 8×12 photo (left) shows the beautiful lit lanterns in the tent as the couple danced their first dance. The 8×10 photo (right) is missing that added atmosphere.
So what’s the downside? Retailers are just starting to catch on that 8×12 is the new standard, so 8×12 frames can be a little tricky to find. I checked today and Target.com has a few choices in stock. Michael’s home collection also states they have 8×12 size picture frames. Amazon.com has several basic frames in 8×12 size as well. Of course, you can always custom frame your prints at your local frame shop. Or, consider ordering a fine art canvas or stand-out mount that requires no framing at all!
Have questions when ordering? Always feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I’m happy to send you a preview file to show you what an image will look like when cropped.
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by Minneapolis Photographer Sarah McGee
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