Hello! I am thrilled to be back talking more photography with you. So far we’ve covered:
It’s now time to cover an often misunderstood portion of photo-taking: crop ratio. It hit me when I had my first son, and I hurried to Costco to print some pictures. I couldn’t figure out why some of the images were cut off on the side, visibly chopping off a portion of his brand new self.
Little did I know that by taking the photo in the camera and then choosing to print it as an 8×10 (which is a different aspect ratio), I was losing a part of my image.
![Crop ratio [SimpleMom.net]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/smm.jpg)
Your typical camera will take a picture with the ratio of 2:3 (translates to a 4×6 print). When you choose to print at anything other than a 4×6, you’re changing the aspect ratio of that frame work, and losing a portion of the image.
Let’s take a look at the examples below:
This photo of my daughter hasn’t been altered by cropping at all. This is shown just as I shot it, 4×6 format.
This next image shows you what portion of your picture will be lost by choosing to print it as a 5×7 (the yellow side bars).
And finally, these yellow side bars explain how the image is changed by printing as an 8×10.
As you’re snapping your summertime photos and then heading to print, be mindful of crop ratio. Whether you upload and print using an online company or in-store, be sure to preview the photo before ordering. You’ll be able to slide the image to the right or left if need be, to a position you prefer.
Were you aware of crop ratios? Have you taken any great pictures of your kids yet this summer?
