Aspect Ratios and Cropping Explained
I am quick to admit that I am terrible at math but while I struggle with algebra and calculus, I was always quite good at geometry. Why? I suspect because it’s one of the more visual types of math and I’m a very visual person.
As a wedding photographer, aspect ratios are just a very simple, mundane, entry-level concept that we deal with every day. Our cameras shoot in one aspect ratio, clients may want to print their images in another and then we use a completely different one for social media posts. In our brains, these are just quick and simple adjustments but I have learned that for clients it can be a bit more difficult or unfamiliar.
When clients place an order with a consumer print lab like Walgreens or Target, they are sometimes surprised to find that they ordered an 8x10 of a beautiful portrait and that print lobbed off their head or feet. When clients order photos directly through my galleries, I can check each image to ensure that the crop is the best fit for that image. However, sometimes it’s impossible to avoid cutting off feet or a person entirely with a bad crop.
Why does this happen!? Is it avoidable?
Aspect ratio is the width and height of an image usually expressed as a ratio like width:height or width x height. A 4” x 6” photo has a 3:2 aspect ratio.
My camera captures and I deliver images to my clients in a 3:2 / 4x6 format but often they want to order prints that are larger or other aspect ratios. This is when I get emails asking why when they are trying to order an 8x10, the sides of the image get cut off. A lot of times, clients want to know how they can avoid cutting off the sides of an image in certain crops.
Well folks, I’m sorry to say but this isn’t possible. Why? MATH.
Remember, I am the first person to admit that I’m terrible at math but I promise that this isn’t something overly complicated! Aspect ratios are pre-defined, set and unchangeable boxes that the image has to fit in. If you’re moving from one aspect ratio to another, portions of the image will need to be cut off in order to fit in that new box.
This means that unfortunately sometimes certain crops aren’t the best for your images. Your photographer should help you find the best way to display your photos!
