Resizing for prints

B

Bruce120

Suspended / Banned
Messages
518
Name
Bruce
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi All,

I am after some advice when I print photos, I have had some printed by Photobox and they have come back cropped. A shot of the empire state building is missing the top.

Do I need to resize these, I just assumed that I would send Jpegs and they would come back as I sent them?

Can you let me know what I need to do in CS3 to make files for printing purposes.
 
I think the 1st thing to consider is are the prints sizes you ordered the same ratio as your photographs?

Most modern SLRs shoot in 6:4 (3:2) ratio so you should order print sizes the same ratio to avoid cropping. Similarly on most P&S the 6:4.5 is the most suitable.

If you want a print that is a different ratio to your original photograph then you are better to crop yourself - before sending to the printer to ensure the correct crop.

HTH

Mark F
 
Hi Mark,

I need the ratio thing explained I am afraid, So if I order a 6x5 that is not a 3:2 ratio?

Is a 12x6 a correct ratio for a DSLR
 
Correct ratios for SLR (which is 3:2) are:

6x4, 7.5x5, 9x6, 12x8, 15x10, etc.

Anything different will crop (i.e. a 10x8 is effectively a 12x8 with an inch cut off either end)

I think Photobox have a "Shrink to Fit" option. This will make all the image fit the paper but will have white space around the ends.
 
Ooh I've got to try and explain my old Maths lessons. Hmm.

Basically DSLR normally shoot in 6:4 (3:2) ratio. P&S are usually 6:4.5.

A 6:5 is not 3:2, it is actually 3:2.5 (you have to divide both sides by the same number 6/2 = 3, 5/2 = 2.5.

12:6 is actually 2:1 not 3:2 so not right for a DSLR.

So if you are looking for enlargements on Photobox the sizes that are DSLR ratio (3:2) are 6x4", 9x6", 12x8"

If you choose other sizes you have 3 choices. Let photobox decide the crop - this didn't work for you. Crop your shot to the same ratio as the print size you want. Or choose the shrink to fit option. This will result in some white space at the side of the photo where the photo is shrunk to fit the print, but won't fill the whole print on the long or the short side depending on the print size.

Edit: Grumpybadger beat me to it!
 
A 3:2 ratio means that for every 2 units on the shortest side, there are 3 units on the longer side. The units can be measured by pixels, mm, cm, inches or even miles, it still works out to the same ratio.

As an example a very small print of 3 inches by 2 inches can be enlarged to 6X4, 12X8, 18X12 and so on. In all cases if you divide the longer side by 3 and the shorter side by 2 the figures should be the same.

The 12X6 you mentioned is a 2:1 ratio (12/2=6 and 6/1=6) so I'm afraid that it is not suitable for a 3:2 print for that you would need a 12X8 (12/3=4 and 8/2=4)

Confusing isn't it :bonk:
 
LOL looks like everyone was writing the same thing at the same time.
 
Thank you all for your help and all at the same time. Great minds and all!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top