A worthless rant??

[Scott_1469]

OK...this has been bugging me. Why is the default snapshot size 4x6, but 8x12 and 16x24 are scarcely available locally? I have a hard time finding frames and mats for 8x12's let alone 16x24's. I'm assuming it's a cost/demand issue, but I don't get the logic.
I love the convenience of Walgreens or Walmart for processing, but many of my shots just don't look right cropped down.

What do you typically do for enlargement sizes?

[Mcary]

I typically use are 9x12 or 11x14 if an image doesn't crop to the size of the paper I simple print it with a border.

Mike

[cosworth]

The natural progession of a photogrpaher is to learn composition and have lots of great online images. Post processing improves etc.

Then you start to print some more... then you start to print a lot. Your composition starts to improve with considerations for zooming out or pulling back to fit prints. Your technique and post processing compensates.

Learn to leave a bit of room on your shots for cropping to print and you'll be fine. This is where the megapixel war still rages.

[Woolburr]

OK...this has been bugging me. Why is the default snapshot size 4x6, but 8x12 and 16x24 are scarcely available locally? I have a hard time finding frames and mats for 8x12's let alone 16x24's. I'm assuming it's a cost/demand issue, but I don't get the logic.
I love the convenience of Walgreens or Walmart for processing, but many of my shots just don't look right cropped down.

What do you typically do for enlargement sizes?

To actually answer your question: 4x6 is the standard format for an entry level camera since the days of 35mm film. In the early days it was a long held belief that you could not print larger than 4x6 with a 35mm negative so there was no need for larger frames and mats in that format. Larger negatives from so called commercial or professional cameras were in the 5x7 or 8x10 format. The larger negative allowed for enlargements of the prints, so you saw 10x14 and 16x20 frames and mats. The 11x14 size you see in stores is not a photographic frame size...that was originally intended for documents.

Modern cameras have interchangeable focus screens...many that have crop marks on the screen...to give you a guide to framing a shot to fit one of the standard formats. Realistically, most photographers soon discover that they don't need any marks in the viewfinder to make the shot fit one of the standard formats. After shooting for a while with format in mind, it becomes almost automatic.

There is also another option that goes right along with your photography....check with your local community college and see if they offer a framing and matting class. Most cities have framing supply stores...you buy the raw materials and create your own frames and mats...in whatever format you want. So if you want to print 8x12...go right ahead...it only takes a few minutes to bang out a frame and mat. The added benefit of this approach is the cost savings. You can do a custom metal frame and mat for about the same price you can buy a crappy "Made in China" plastic frame.