My Favourite Print Size

[colliewalker1]

I can remember when long ago,the standard size for 'High Street' processed prints was 3½ "x5½" - how that dates me! When 6"x4 "became the norm (still a long time ago) this seemed an enormous leap forward and it seems to be a popular size even now.

When I switched to 7"x5",6"x4" seemed quite inadequate by comparison as detail is difficult to see: for displaying in an album, a large album is needed for 7"x5" and I use the self adhesive type with removable pages with a display area 13¼" wide X 13" high. I choose black pages as I think colour photos look better against that background than white - three prints to a page is the limit, so buying albums becomes expensive!

It seems that there is a body of opinion that thinks if you don't regularly have 10"x8" prints you are not serious about photography.Prints of that size are interesting but difficult to save in an album - so what does one do with them?

I will be interested to hear the views of other members.

[rammy]

It seems that there is a body of opinion that thinks if you don't regularly have 10"x8" prints you are not serious about photography.Prints of that size are interesting but difficult to save in an album - so what does one do with them?

Save them in your portfolio :)

I do, that way I can keep it up to date with my latest "best shots". I also have an A2 portfolio folder, guess what size images go in there ;)

You could laminate your own and use them as coasters, if you do not manage your own portfolio :D

[slin100]

6"x4" (or 4x6 as many call it) is popular because it's the same aspect ratio as all DSLRs. 7"x5" (5x7) requires some cropping. Not that cropping is bad, but it's one extra step to worry about.

If something like 7.5"x5" or 9"x6" were available, I would try it.

[Jon, The Elder]

My Hi-Touch 730PS prints 6"x8"'s at about $.80 each.

Great size - larger than 5x7 and more convenient than the 8x10 inkjet.

[andygrif]

I like the 6x9's - actually for everday use I get them done at Costco as they're so cheap - cheaper than doing an inkjet print!

The only problem is that I have to get custom made apertures if I'm mounting them. Even thought they're the same ratio as 4x6's the more common size is 6x8. It's nice to not have to crop them...but I did screw up the first time I took some shots to be printed, as I'd cropped in PS to best suit the photo, then wondered why only half the shot came out!

[tim]

I rarely print photos, when I do it's usually A2 or A1 size.

[KevC]

I really don't like the 4x6 (2x3) ratio. It's way too long for me. I end up cropping to a 4x5 or 5x7 ratio.

I really like 5"x7", I'm gonna buy an album and start printing my favourite shots in that ratio...