Cropping for Prints

[jgonzalez1980]

I've run into an issue recently when it comes to cropping a picture for a 8x10 print. I typically don't print 8x10's, so it never occurred to me to leave enough empty space in the shot to account for this crop size. I was just curious to see how much space you guys leave around you subject to account for cropping. I tend to keep my shots fairly tight, since I mostly print 5x7's. However, the other day I wanted an 8x10 and when I cropped it for that print size it cut a portion of the subject. I know every situation is differently depending on the shot, but I guess my concern is havening enough space and MP's, so that image quality isn't affected.

[OsmosisStudios]

Some cameras allow you to see the crop in the viewfinder (The D3 series have a 4:5 crop in the viewfinder). FOr the most part, though, I either leave space, or shoot for the ratio and only print in that ratio.

In your case, a 4x6 format shot can be printed at any of these sizes

2x3
4x6
8x12
10x15
12x18
18x24
20x30
24x36
etc

[jgonzalez1980]

Thanks!! The only reason I thought about it was because, my daughter's Tball team asked me to take team pictures for them. As I was thinking of the different formats they might printed, I started to play around with the crop size, and realized that some shot might not by 8x10 friendly. If I ever do it again, I'll just have to shoot for the ratio or leave the extra room like you said. Thanks

[ravncat]

You can also print at 6.6667x10 and get a custom Matt to fit 8 x 10