Showing Different Print Sizes

[bluman95]

Does anyone know of an easy way to show a customer the differences in how thier print will look as a 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6? I always explain to them that it will be cropped slightly different, but they always want to see how it will look on thier print. Is there a feature in Photoshop that does this or some other program? Thanks and only 22 more days until I get to Texas!

[Elsaspet]

I used to crop them to all the print sizes, but that was a major pain in the butt. I never found any photoshop action that would do it easily. I'm hoping that someone has a good alternative too.

[bluman95]

Do you think a transparent Layer with different sized boxes might work?

[bluman95]

I made a PSD file in photoshop with 7 layers, one is for the picture and the other 6 contain a box representing the 6 most common print sizes that I use. I can turn them on and off and move the boxes to show how they would be framed. If anyone knows of a better way or wans the .psd file I made let me know. Thanks and here is a sample of a pic with all the ratios turned on.

[Elsaspet]

Ugg. I think it would be fine for a few photos, but trying to do that with several hundred is going to be a huge pain in the drain. Also, I think all those different color boxes are REALLY going to distract to the overall photo.
Personally, I'd not do it.

[TTU_Guy]

I say we change the industry where all of the print sizes have the same aspect ratio. If you'll get in touch with the photo labs, I'll take care of album and frame companies.
Wishfull thinking.....

Any ideas anyone?

[thelegend1472]

Originally Posted by TTU_Guy

I say we change the industry where all of the print sizes have the same aspect ratio. If you'll get in touch with the photo labs, I'll take care of album and frame companies.
Wishfull thinking.....

Any ideas anyone?

What's the reasoning behind this? I've always wondered why they do that

[MyKey]

Before 35mm (24x36mm) was invented there was a thing called Medium and Large Format and even Slide Negatives. These were all on the same crop format as a 4x5 and 8x10. When 35mm was developed we started getting 4x6 and 8x12 formats. However since the standard was and has always been more along the line of the orig. formats it has not changed, at least in the larger formats.

Just leave room for cropping and roll with it. There are Photoshop actions which allow you to crop in all three sizes, pausing when the crop function appears so you can manually move the crop sqaure to where you want it to be then hit the continue button. Still takes some time but it is faster than doing it all manually.

Those who do not leave room for cropping, in any size, are going to be in a world of hurt. Some of the best photographers in the wedding business (Huy out of Dallas comes to mind) are masters at cropping, they shoot wide and crop every image to their own vision.

[Elsaspet]

Totally agree. I told Huy that we called him the "crop master" around our house. I've never seen anyone get to the essense of things like that guy does.
I'd be very interested in the actions you are referring to.............

[CaptainTom]

Anyone who has ever shot commercial stock will tell you that you MUST shoot wide and shoot every angle and possible combination. The customer will need to crop to fit their use.

As far as showing the client the size difference:

Some PS guru can make an action to do this????

Have a generic shot of a person holding a photo frame in front of them. YOu'll need several frames of the different sizes.

PS the clent photo inside the frame...

Now do this for the several different print sizes..

Result: The client can see what an 8x10, 11X14, etc. will look like with something in the photo to use as size comparison.

I know I am brilliant, but I don't have the PS skills to make this work.

[bluman95]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Anyone who has ever shot commercial stock will tell you that you MUST shoot wide and shoot every angle and possible combination. The customer will need to crop to fit their use.

As far as showing the client the size difference:

Some PS guru can make an action to do this????

Have a generic shot of a person holding a photo frame in front of them. YOu'll need several frames of the different sizes.

PS the clent photo inside the frame...

Now do this for the several different print sizes..

Result: The client can see what an 8x10, 11X14, etc. will look like with something in the photo to use as size comparison.

I know I am brilliant, but I don't have the PS skills to make this work.

Neither do I, but it sounds cool

[TD Photography]

I find it easies with a sample to show my clients. I use one image (one of my own...not from the shoot) and had it printed in 4x5,5x7,8x10 & 11x14. that way the have a visual as to how the prints will turn out and what might be lost. I also resize my photos to a 4x5/8x10 crop. that way, if the want a 5x7 or 11x14, there will be more of the image included.

Please note I do not offer 4x6 prints as an option...just 4x5.

Tony Duckworth
TD Photography
www.TD-Photography.com

[bluman95]

Originally Posted by TD Photography

I find it easies with a sample to show my clients. I use one image (one of my own...not from the shoot) and had it printed in 4x5,5x7,8x10 & 11x14. that way the have a visual as to how the prints will turn out and what might be lost. I also resize my photos to a 4x5/8x10 crop. that way, if the want a 5x7 or 11x14, there will be more of the image included.

Please note I do not offer 4x6 prints as an option...just 4x5.

Tony Duckworth
TD Photography
www.TD-Photography.com

Do alo of people like the 4x5 aspect?

[Bill]

In CS2, at least, you can just use the cropping tool on the tool bar, which has preset sizes for the prints you mentioned. When you use it to crop, the center portion is lighter than the cropped out portion, but you can still see the whole frame if you want to move the crop selection around.

The cropping tool looks like inverted L's crossed together. In the film era, you could buy cropping tools in various formats. You could also cut out L's out of cardboard and draw rulings on them to get the appropriate ratios.

For one example, go to: http://porters.com/Merchant2/merchan...Category_Code=

Bill

[TD Photography]

Originally Posted by bluman95

Do alo of people like the 4x5 aspect?

I have yet to have anyone complain. I personally thank that the 4x5 prints are something that not every joe making prints can offer. It helps me stand out and for most prople when they get "Proffesional Prints" they are looking for something different (4x5 or 5x5).

If someone ever asked to have 4x6 prints made...I would make them. How ever, I will keep my proofs set to 4x5 crop. That way when they get a 8x10 print, nothing will be cut off that was in their proofs.

I really thank that the key to showing sizes and offering sizes is...do what works for you and your clients. If you are not sure what will work. Think conservatly (tighter crop) and offer more liberal (wider crops...4x6).

I hope this helps.