Trouble understanding print sizes

I dont understand why I have to crop out practically half my images in order to get it on something that I thought were normal print sizes (8x10, 5x7, 4x6). Is it because these sizes really aren't that practical? Is it because I have a crop camera? Or is there something I just dont know?

Below is an example of what I would have to do to get this image printed as a 8x10

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/41764428@N04/5​572636388/

Print as 8x12. Problem solved.

Gary

(And 8x12 --> 8x10 is a 20% area loss, not "practically half".)

B-ham Gary wrote in post #12119374
Print as 8x12. Problem solved.

Gary

lol I know but thats what I hate because when you go to buy frames they are all designed for those generic sizes, matting as well

I may have over exaggerated the half part lol but but its certainly ruins my composition is most cases

The 'standard' print sizes were a historical artifact of the commonly available sheet film sizes in large format cameras which dominated prior to rollfilm sizes (medium format)...16x20, 11x14, 8x10, 5x7, 4x5, 2.25x3.25

Then comes along the upstart 135mm format which came about from motion picture film sprocket-sized film, and the overly long 3:2 format size ratio. It took decades for the 8x12 to be commonly offered!

I feel your pain. You can get pre-cut frames and mats for 8x12's and such, it may just take some searching at local stores.

I make my own frames and cut my own mats to get away from any pre-fab frame size hassles (and I can save tons of $$$). When I decide on a basic black frame, I've found that www.framedestination.c​om has the best compromise of price, options, and customer service. They offer several grades of high quality acrylic glazing if you wish to avoid glass.

Good luck!

Gary

Ya i feel your pain, You need to crop of have borders.

Here's a comprehensive discussion of your options.

Yeah, it's a common question because we all have to deal with it!

I have 12x18 (uncropped dimensions) prints I've framed, but other than that you have to do creative cropping one way or another unless you find a source for 8x12.

Of course there is 4x6, but I always think of them as, well, snapshot-size throwaway prints.

I'm just glad the people asking questions like this are doing photography and are not installing floors or doing construction.

Michaels carries 12x16 frames..it's where I get mine
Golden State Art (and others) carries 12x16 mats cut for 8x12 images..
Just have to look a bit..

kjonnnn wrote in post #12119785
Printing to 8x12 is not an option everywhere, especially online, so you may be forced to use 8x10, instead of 8x12.

Mpix, Adorama, Nations Photo (and have heard Costco might as well) all have 8x12 in their printing sizes, My local lab offers them cheap to..$1 each for lustre prints & under $3 for metallic..

I have a 60D and I can chance my picture ratio if I use live view. I'm not sure about your 50D but if it has it you can set it to a 1:1 ration which fits the 8x10 size pretty well, their are 4 different ratios I can set mine to, might check and see if your's does the same.

Damo77 wrote in post #12119731
Here's a comprehensive discussion of your options.

This is a great read. I wish i had seen this site when i was battling with my prints.

V-Wiz wrote in post #12124303
This is a great read. I wish i had seen this site when i was battling with my prints.

+1