cropping difficulties

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

You are right John. We have entered an era in which the confines of equipment and supplies of the past do not hold us to certain standards. We are more free now. BUT some things have not changed. . . yet.

Why is any of this an issue?
-Cameras still have a perspective ratio of height and width. You can't change how many pixels you use from shot to shot. You can compensate later but it still is a standard.
-Albums and Frames are still made in standard sizes for the most part.
-Framers? How many photographs do you think are mounted by a framer or photographer. Maybe 2%. The vast majority of images are never mounted.
-The expectation of the customer. Most everyone who buys or is the recipient of a photograph, still thinks in terms of standard sizes 8x10, 5x7.

This will change over time. Step by step it will change. But for now if you want to stay in business you still have to consider these standards. People like you, me, and others will change this over time but for now it is the world in which we live. Ignore it and you may find yourself flipping burgers.

You'll only end up flipping burgers because you didn't seek out a market what wants the content of your images not the size of them. Set new expections and higher expecations for customers.

Film also has a prespective ration of height and width and we had veriable ratio frames to print any ratio we wanted out of the negative.

A painter doesn't ask what size you want the painting and photographer shouldn't either.

[MicWayWal]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

You'll only end up flipping burgers because you didn't seek out a market what wants the content of your images not the size of them. Set new expections and higher expecations for customers.

Film also has a prespective ration of height and width and we had veriable ratio frames to print any ratio we wanted out of the negative.

A painter doesn't ask what size you want the painting and photographer shouldn't either.

I agree with everything you say.
I have been doing off size and non-standard prints my entire 36 year career. But you can't ignore grandma who has put an 8x10 of her family in the same frame for 36 years.

[ericf]

So far everything I've read is correct. However, you still have to provide print sizes that are ready to frame in a standard dimensioned frame. The average customer (or in my case family member) is going to go to Walmart or some other discount store and purchase a frame. As you stated, times are changing, just too slow.

[AndrewCCM]

Not to get into a philosophical debate... But you really have to know your customer. Sure odd sizes are cool for those that don't mind or like them... But as mentioned...There still is a large majority that expect something in a standard size. And often, (at least in my case) most larger print sales are from the people that prefer standard offerings... Heck for that matter, most big sales come from people that like large traditional pictures too.

I am a PJ shooter at heart and like like odd sized/shaped prints, mattes, etc... But to be honest, rarely does it translate into a large print/large sale (for me).

Of course, I am talking people pics here and my personal experience.

FWIW.

[trahanw]

If cropped using RAW, how does this effect the overall picture. Is the ratio still the same since it wasn't compressed in JPEG. Gee Whiz question, RAW doesn't ask for dimensions on cropping. ??????

[trahanw]

Nikon gives you the ability to show the grid while shooting. Has anyone figured out using this as crop lines.

[boldimagery]

Originally Posted by trahanw

If cropped using RAW, how does this effect the overall picture. Is the ratio still the same since it wasn't compressed in JPEG. Gee Whiz question, RAW doesn't ask for dimensions on cropping. ??????

In you are using Adobe ACR for that it is set to 2:3 ratio by default, but you can change that by right (or option) clicking on the image when the crop tool is selected. There you will find all the most common ratios, but you can also define your own custom ratio as well.

I hope that helps.

[taygull]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

You'll only end up flipping burgers because you didn't seek out a market what wants the content of your images not the size of them. Set new expections and higher expecations for customers.

Film also has a prespective ration of height and width and we had veriable ratio frames to print any ratio we wanted out of the negative.

A painter doesn't ask what size you want the painting and photographer shouldn't either.

Let me know when you change the world, until then I'll keep making a good living shooting what my clients will buy. I like options that put money in my pocket. I discard options that limit my ability to make money.

Everyone must make a decision on how they want to run their own business. I've made the decision to do so in a manor that benefits me the most.....which would be a financial decision.

The best image in the world is very simple to take.....it is the one the client will buy.

[fran reisner]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

Hi Eric! Yes, you have to plan to crop for an 8x10. You can have crop lines put in your camera, or like I do, just wing it ;) Search croplines in the search box, its where they add the guide lines in your camera and is very helpful. I know Fran Reisner knows a guy that does them.

I know there is a way you can add to your canvas in photoshop, then crop for your 8x10, I have done it before, but it was ages ago, so I wouldn't know how to tell you how to do it. If you post the pic, we can maybe help you out with that.

Yep! Know him well. Croplines was one of the smartest things I've done... to three cameras now. www.croplines.com

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

You'll only end up flipping burgers because you didn't seek out a market what wants the content of your images not the size of them. Set new expections and higher expecations for customers.

Film also has a prespective ration of height and width and we had veriable ratio frames to print any ratio we wanted out of the negative.

A painter doesn't ask what size you want the painting and photographer shouldn't either.

I know your bills get paid another way rather than by photography. Clients want standard sizes. You try to sell them an off-size and they TELL you I want a standard size. It is due to the fact they can get frames easily and do it the way they want (as opposed to a custom frame which cost way more $$.)

I feature many sizes in my studio, alot of which are off-size and different. The comments are the same...nice, but can I get that in an 8x10", 11x14", 16x20" etc. Standard sizes.

I am with tallguy, when you change the world, I will sell off size prints. Until then, I am doing just fine and I DO pay all my bills with photography.

CJ