I get frequent replies in the images I post talking about ratios. What is it ? I crop to either 8 X 10 or 11 X 14 generally for something I feel is good enough to post at NPN. Can someone clue me in on the ratios that are mentioned ?
To me, there is no "rule". A look at my Gallery will show I crop VERY randomly, to what I feel presents the image in the best light. The "rule of thirds" also, to me, is not a RULE, but a suggestion.
When submitting for a contest, I will pay more attention to cropping to "normal" sizes.
Others, perhaps more diligent, crop to common sizes from the beginning: 5x7 (10x14), 8x10 (16x20), etc.
My opinion, for what it is worth.
The crop ratio is simply the ratio of the length of one side to the length of the side at right angles to it.
For example: An image with a 1:1 crop ratio is a square. An image with a crop ratio of 4:5 has one side 4 units in length and the longer side is 5 units in length.
Sometimes I will crop to a specific ratio, but most times I will crop so that the image has, in my judgment, the best dimensional balance.
--P
Posted by Nancy de Flon on September 15, 2014 at 8:10 AM
I tend very much to follow Sandy's approach. And if I'm posting the images for sale on one of my websites, I mention that there will be a certain amount of white space around the image depending on the size they order (i.e., I don't crop the image itself);. I note that a number of well-known photographers have similar notices.
Posted by Howard Cheek on September 15, 2014 at 10:33 AM
I always crop/compose with standard print sizes as a guide.
When I first started out, I composed 'randomly' for what looked best..
But you'll always run into trouble when you need to sell a print Andrew
Posted by Bruce King on September 15, 2014 at 12:15 PM
If it's just for an online presentation who cares, whatever looks best. For a print my first thought is to go with standard frame sizes. But nowadays I prefer laminated mounts.......where crop ratios are not an issue. More expensive but they look better and are far more popular.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 16, 2014 at 6:26 AM
I start by cropping for what looks best because the crop does not matter for online presentation. If it's going into a frame or being presented as a print for sale, I would try to make it fit a standard format.
Discussion
6 repliesThanks
Andrew
When submitting for a contest, I will pay more attention to cropping to "normal" sizes.
Others, perhaps more diligent, crop to common sizes from the beginning: 5x7 (10x14), 8x10 (16x20), etc.
My opinion, for what it is worth.
Sandy
For example: An image with a 1:1 crop ratio is a square. An image with a crop ratio of 4:5 has one side 4 units in length and the longer side is 5 units in length.
Sometimes I will crop to a specific ratio, but most times I will crop so that the image has, in my judgment, the best dimensional balance.
--P
When I first started out, I composed 'randomly' for what looked best..
But you'll always run into trouble when you need to sell a print Andrew