Cropping for development?

what is the best way to crop a photo if you want to develop it?

usually i crop a photo and when i develop it, there are edges missing

Does develop = print?

You are probably not taking into consideration the aspect ratio of the paper. 2x3 does not scale perfectly to 5x7,8x10, 11x14, 16x20, and most other common sizes.

tkbslc wrote in post #9575993
Does develop = print?

You are probably not taking into consideration the aspect ratio of the paper. 2x3 does not scale perfectly to 5x7,8x10, 11x14, 16x20, and most other common sizes.

yes print

and for example 4x6 print... is there some kind template for cropping for the standard size photos

The crop tool in any photo editor will have preset crop box ratios that correspond to standard paper sizes plus the ability to set a custom ratio.

There are other factors involved in printing. Our inkjet printer, for example, cannot print to the edge of the paper on one end. There's a 1/2-inch white border left in any print made by it because of how the paper is handled.

SkipD wrote in post #9580004
There are other factors involved in printing. Our inkjet printer, for example, cannot print to the edge of the paper on one end. There's a 1/2-inch white border left in any print made by it because of how the paper is handled.

Right, that's where the custom crop setting comes in. For instance, I usually print with a 1 cm. border. Having an equal border all around the print changes the ratio aspect of the printed area, so I use "Custom" rather than a preset.

tzalman wrote in post #9580353
Right, that's where the custom crop setting comes in. For instance, I usually print with a 1 cm. border. Having an equal border all around the print changes the ratio aspect of the printed area, so I use "Custom" rather than a preset.

IIRC all of the main packages (PS CSx, PSP, Gimp, etc) allow either presets as per the first image or custom by entering sizes in the boxes (circled in red)

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I always crop my images via CS4 before I send them to print. If I send an uncropped image to the lab, them I'm relying on someone else to determine what I want in a given dimension. If I eliminate the need for someone else doing it, then I ensure that the image is printed correctly. Most of your pro labs (Mpix, Millers, WHCC, Bay Lab and the other dozens) usually have a better handle on this as opposed to the local pharmacy, who has no clue about cropping or proper color management.

360° wrote in post #9576254
yes print

and for example 4x6 print... is there some kind template for cropping for the standard size photos

Yes, any photo editor can do that. If you don't have one, I would recommend getting one of two free programs which can help you - Picasa and Photoscape.