What size prints to price and sell on new website?

04/04/2006 01:10:01 PM · #1

I've done a forum search and didn't find the suggestions I was looking for.

How do those who already sell prints, choose between standard print sizes and the sizes that come uncropped from most digital cameras?

I've seen the tips page on this site that list the ratios and I've read numerous threads, but I'm still in a quandry as to what size prints to advertise and sell.

The sizes that make the most of the image captured are:

4X6, 8X12, 12X18, 16X24. However, 8X10, 11X17, and 16X20 seem to what is more readily available when it comes to frames that consumer's are offered.

I am concerned with losing sales because many buyers might decide that they would rather buy an 8X10 instead of an 8X12 because they can easily find frames for 8X10's. I have the same concern for 12X18 vs. 11X17 and for 16X24 vs. 16X20. Do you think that this might be the case?

If so, then what should I do? I see my choices as:

1. Advertise and sell the photos in the standard sizes and crop them. But, if I do, then what image do I present on the website? The different sizes will have different crops. I also would rather not crop out available data, especially when enlarging to 16X20.

Also, I compose my images based on what I see in the viewfinder, not based on cropping to fit a different standard.

2. I could shrink or stretch the image size to "fit" the standard. I don't really like this any more than the differences in ratios on televisions and what is viewed on them.

3. I could go with the non-standard, uncropped sizes that come from my camera. But my concerns are listed above. In addition, I've found it difficult to locate mats with inside openings to fit 16X24 photos.

My website is almost completed and I need to provide the web designer with sizes and prices now. As long as this has been in the making, I don't want any further delays. So, I would greatly appreciate suggestions and comments about how others have overcome this dilemma as soon as possible.

Thanks. And BTW, if you need an excellent web designer, let me know.

edit for typo

Message edited by author 2006-04-04 13:21:35.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/04/2006 01:56:55 PM · #2

Throwing it out here again.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/04/2006 03:20:48 PM · #3

Personally, I try to crop the file to the best presentation, and then pad the background out to the next-largest standard size. My files are all pretty small, so I don't have as much flexibility.

I agree that trying to fit the image to a standard 8x10 will probably entice more sales because of the availability of cheap frames; some of mine fit 5x7 as well.

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

04/04/2006 03:46:37 PM · #4

Not that I have tons of sales, but I generally go for 8x10 and 5x7. For one thing, it's cheaper for ME to buy frames if I'm showing work anywhere ;-)

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

04/04/2006 03:49:49 PM · #5

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

Not that I have tons of sales, but I generally go for 8x10 and 5x7. For one thing, it's cheaper for ME to buy frames if I'm showing work anywhere ;-)

So, are you of the opinion that I should crop the 1.50:1 images to 5X7 and 8x10 rather than print them to that ratio that the camera produces?

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

04/04/2006 04:01:17 PM · #6

Yeah...that's kinda been my opinion. But most of my photos crop down well to those sizes. I HAVE encountered a couple shots that just really can't be cropped that much and retain the composition that I like. In those cases, I leave them as is. But mostly I spring for the 8x10 size.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/04/2006 04:05:05 PM · #7

Originally posted by yakatme:

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
Not that I have tons of sales, but I generally go for 8x10 and 5x7. For one thing, it's cheaper for ME to buy frames if I'm showing work anywhere ;-)

So, are you of the opinion that I should crop the 1.50:1 images to 5X7 and 8x10 rather than print them to that ratio that the camera produces?

Nothing wrong with cropping to the camera ratio. If the work is extremely well done people will go out of the way to buy a frame/mat setup for it.

Carl Zeiss Planar T 50mm f/1.7

04/04/2006 06:00:09 PM · #8

So far the score is:

Crop to standards sizes...2

Go with the original camera crop...1

I'd like to get a few more opinions on this subject. I have to decide tonight.

Thanks

tryals15

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

04/04/2006 06:11:05 PM · #9

If you're selling prints, and if your goal is to maximize your target audience, I'd go with the standard size (5x7, etc).

If you're selling framed prints, etc, and/or you're going for a more exclusive target group, go for the camera crop...

This, at least, is what I do... Stuff in my home, and that I've sold as framed prints have all been non-standard crops...

04/04/2006 08:29:17 PM · #10

My last attempt for replies to this question.

Thanks