Why Doesn't the Enlargement Print I Ordered Look the Same as My 4x6 Print?
Monday October 20, 2008
So you've captured an amazing photograph and you order a 16x20 print of the shot. When it returns you are shocked to find that one of the most important elements of the shot is partially cropped out of the image. What happened? Did the lab mess up?
Actually, the answer is that not all print sizes are the same. A 4x6 image will show more of a scene than a 5x7 or 8x10 image due to length to width ratio. 8x10 images are much closer to square while 4x6 images are very rectangular. 5x7 images fall somewhere in the middle.
So what can you do to ensure that your images look good at any size? Well, no image will be perfect at all sizes but you can make things come closer by always framing for an 8x10 shot. The extra room on the sides will not affect the image as much as too close a crop.
Actually, the answer is that not all print sizes are the same. A 4x6 image will show more of a scene than a 5x7 or 8x10 image due to length to width ratio. 8x10 images are much closer to square while 4x6 images are very rectangular. 5x7 images fall somewhere in the middle.
So what can you do to ensure that your images look good at any size? Well, no image will be perfect at all sizes but you can make things come closer by always framing for an 8x10 shot. The extra room on the sides will not affect the image as much as too close a crop.
Comments
I sent several digital photos out for printing at 4×6 and they were cropped differently than I would desire. If I edit and size to 16×20 and then send forward will that assure the lab will print what I transmit or will it be recropped to their formula? I enjoy your photo tips and topics.
If you send a 16×20 prepared file most quality labs will print it as specified. Most quality labs now have a preview feature in their ordering system so you can double check that the image is showing correctly before finalizing your order as well.