Why are frames not the correct size?!

[SPStakem]

Hey guys. I have a question. I don't normally frame my photos but this weekend I need to frame a few for a charity event.

Here is the deal...

I don't understand why the frame sizes available at the stores do not match up with the ratio size of the photographs taken from an SLR camera.

The sizes that are available are the traditional... 8x10, 16x20.... and so on.

How come the sizes are not 8x12, 16x24.... and so on?

I feel like when I crop my photos I take out crucial parts in regards to the balance and drama of some of my shots which really drive me crazy!

And advice would be great! Thanks!

[revjvegas]

Sounds like you're primary option will be custom cut mat if you don't want to crop into one of the cookie cutter sizes.

That's one of the main reasons I bought my mat cutter.

[SPStakem]

Thanks for the response man. I guess it just seems weird to me that in order to frame photos at the correct ratio it has to be done as a custom framing option. Even if you mat a photo at that size (for example 16x24) where do you find a frame to put it into?

[MicWayWal]

Well let's put it like this; if you were a frame manufacturer would you make most of your inventory in a size that most people don't order. Or would most of your products be sized to what most people buy. From that point of view it doesn't look that stupid does it?

Despite what sizes we as photographers print for ourselves, we are still in the minority. Most people buy common sizes even when offered other sizes by their photographer. Why? Because they want to purchase custom frames because of the hassle and cost. I have noticed some places like Hobby Lobby are now stocking the odder sizes you are talking about. I guess the trends are changing, but it will be a slow change.

[surlynkid]

just a holdover that won't cut loose from the old days of 4x5 prints. i guess the manufacturers think everybody is still using those cameras.

[Redneck]

That bothers me too. I purchased 8x12 frames from Adorama after looking out for them a lot.

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by SPStakem

I don't understand why the frame sizes available at the stores do not match up with the ratio size of the photographs taken from an SLR camera.

SLRs are not the only type of camera, and not all SLRs are created equal. Mine will shoot in two different aspect ratios, for instance.

Be that as it may, your concern is somewhat valid, and a Dallas company was formed a few years back by a photographer who could not get frames in the sizes he wanted. Check them out:

Picture Frames | Photography Frames | Mat Board | Photo Storage

Disclaimer: No affiliation with the company other than as a customer.

[mercphoto]

As mentioned, it is a hold over from the old days of 4x5 when that was the prevailing aspect ratio. Besides, I have to admit, an 8x10 hanging on a wall is somehow more pleasing to the eye than an 8x12. I can't say why, it just does.

Check out Aaron Brothers for in-stock pre-made 8x12, 12x18 and 16x24 frames. Or learn to shoot looser with crops in mind.

[ukneeq]

Originally Posted by mercphoto

As mentioned, it is a hold over from the old days of 4x5 when that was the prevailing aspect ratio. Besides, I have to admit, an 8x10 hanging on a wall is somehow more pleasing to the eye than an 8x12. I can't say why, it just does.

Check out Aaron Brothers for in-stock pre-made 8x12, 12x18 and 16x24 frames. Or learn to shoot looser with crops in mind.

To me the 8 x 12 looks better. I guess I'm just always use to looking at things in widescreen. :)

[crazyfoo]

this will not help you now... but hopefully in the future!! one of the first things I learned was not to try and take the picture so that it does not need cropping. I always try to stay zoomed out a little further than I'd like the shot to be. This way I can crop to pretty much any size I want in post processing. the first shoot I ever did (luckily with some friends) was a pain in post processing because of the sizes they wanted to order - I could not get a good enough crop on all the pictures.

hope this helps!

[Flores]

i actually had someone buy an 8x12 from me the other day, because the original filled the frame too much to be cropped down to 8x10 :D