I've done a forum search and didn't find the suggestions I was looking for.
How do those who already sell prints, choose between standard print sizes and the sizes that come uncropped from most digital cameras?
I've seen the tips page on this site that list the ratios and I've read numerous threads, but I'm still in a quandry as to what size prints to advertise and sell.
The sizes that make the most of the image captured are:
4X6, 8X12, 12X18, 16X24. However, 8X10, 11X17, and 16X20 seem to what is more readily available when it comes to frames that consumer's are offered.
I am concerned with losing sales because many buyers might decide that they would rather buy an 8X10 instead of an 8X12 because they can easily find frames for 8X10's. I have the same concern for 12X18 vs. 11X17 and for 16X24 vs. 16X20. Do you think that this might be the case?
If so, then what should I do? I see my choices as:
1. Advertise and sell the photos in the standard sizes and crop them. But, if I do, then what image do I present on the website? The different sizes will have different crops. I also would rather not crop out available data, especially when enlarging to 16X20.
Also, I compose my images based on what I see in the viewfinder, not based on cropping to fit a different standard.
2. I could shrink or stretch the image size to "fit" the standard. I don't really like this any more than the differences in ratios on televisions and what is viewed on them.
3. I could go with the non-standard, uncropped sizes that come from my camera. But my concerns are listed above. In addition, I've found it difficult to locate mats with inside openings to fit 16X24 photos.
My website is almost completed and I need to provide the web designer with sizes and prices now. As long as this has been in the making, I don't want any further delays. So, I would greatly appreciate suggestions and comments about how others have overcome this dilemma as soon as possible.
Thanks. And BTW, if you need an excellent web designer, let me know.
Personally, I try to crop the file to the best presentation, and then pad the background out to the next-largest standard size. My files are all pretty small, so I don't have as much flexibility.
I agree that trying to fit the image to a standard 8x10 will probably entice more sales because of the availability of cheap frames; some of mine fit 5x7 as well.
Yeah...that's kinda been my opinion. But most of my photos crop down well to those sizes. I HAVE encountered a couple shots that just really can't be cropped that much and retain the composition that I like. In those cases, I leave them as is. But mostly I spring for the 8x10 size.
Thanks for the overwhelming response. No, really. I checked this and bumped it all afternoon and evening and I can't handle all the information and ideas that all who were online today shared.
Oh, wait a minute. That was on numerous other threads. I should have titled this something totally silly and seemingly non-important.
I appreciate the help of the few who tried to help out.
