By: Jonathan Weinstock
Please Note: “Stock Tips” is intended for new and emerging professional photographers
Â
Framing your image properly is one of the most common details overlooked by new photographers. Many new photographers do not realize the importance of framing your subjects. Also, they do not understand why certain sizes just won’t print the way they’d like. Most of these mistakes are made when taking headshots or group photos. Nearly all SLR cameras are a 3:2 ratio.
This means that when shooting with an SLR camera, you need to realize that 8×12 is your full frame. And you will have to prepare your shot for 2 inches of cropping if you want to have an 8×10 photo printed. Too often, I will see group shots that were taken way too tight and the result is deciding between cutting someone’s shoulder or ear off or be forced to print the full frame 8×12.
A simple solution to this is to zoom out a bit or take a couple of steps back, so you will be sure there is enough room for cropping later on.
So remember, leave enough cropping room on your shots and you will always be able to print the size you want!
Original: Full Frame Before Cropping
- Cropped: Shot Too Tight – cropped original image to an 8×10. Image loses bridesmaids elbows and a portion of their bouquets.
  Â