Why does my 8×10 (5×7) look like it’s missing part of the image?

This is one of the most common discussions I have with couples as they order prints from their wedding. So let me try to explain it as best I can.

You know how your math teacher told you how important math is and how you will always need that geometry when you get older? Well, I’m here today to tell you that s/he was right. I can’t tell you how many times a week I have to work with ratios to help me through a print order or an album design. So I warn you now, I can’t properly address this question without reintroducing certain geometric concepts. I apologize in advance!

Images from digital cameras (even those from 35 mm film cameras, for anyone who still uses that format) are captured using a size ratio of 2 x 3. What that means is when you view an image either in paper proof or online proofing, unless the photographer has cropped the image, you see an image similar to a 4×6 inch print. To keep the image exactly as you see it online (or in print), you need to keep the aspect ratio the same. So you can print it as a 2×3, 4×6, 6×9, 8×12, etc, to maintain the full image.

Notice you didn’t see 8×10 in there – a very common print size for frames. To get the 8×10, therefore, the photographer has to crop off a full 2 inches from the long side. Let me show you an example.

Here’s an example of an image:

Now, here’s what has to get cropped off to make it an 8×10:

In this example, we didn’t lose a lot of the image. Arguably, the image is better at that ratio since there is more of focus on Jill’s beautiful face.  But in other images, however, you could lose important items, even people.

Take this example of a large wedding party:

But if you were to order this as an 8×10, you’d lose two of your groomsmen:

This comes up a lot when working with a professional photographer. Most photographers fill the frame with people, places, items and other elements to make it the best image possible. If your photographer fills that frame, you will have a hard time printing at one of those “off” ratios.

The same rule applies to a 5×7. The proper ratio of a 5″ image is 7 1/2″. Therefore, a half an inch must be removed from the long side to create the newly cropped image.

This can be a really big deal to you, depending on the image. That is why I want you to know that I am a control freak and I won’t give over the printing process to an automated system for this very reason. I always review an order submitted by every single person to ensure they aren’t cropping out someone or something very important from an image when they order a size other than 4×6. I hope you find this helpful in all avenues of your life, not just your wedding photographs. I also hope you keep it in mind next time you place a print order. Happy printing!