Formating for custom size prints

It’s always cheaper to print standard sizes; 8×10, 11×14 and 16×20, 24×36. When an image doesn’t fit one of these dimensions, the trade off is cropping or paying extra for a custom print and frame. Proper planing can fix this dilemma.

Cropping

It’s always best to fill your camera frame with as much of the image as possible. Most digital SLRs have an aspect ratio of 3:2.  Without cropping, your images can be printed 6×4, 12×8, 24×16. This aspect ratio doesn’t fit our standard sizes.If you want an 8×10 print, shoot a little wider and your crop will not delete any key elements in your photograph.

Matting and Framing

If cropping your image isn’t an option, have a custom matte made. This will make it easier to select a cheaper standard size frame. Select the size of your frame, then have the matte cut to the opening of your image.

Custom print size

Wouldn’t it be better if you could concentrate on creating your work of art and not have to worry about the output? This is where we benefit from custom printing. To keep the print affordable, develop a relationship with your printing company. Know their standard sizes and keep that in mind when you shoot. Some companies have a complete solution, meaning the mounting of the image is part of the art work. You see this in gallery canvas wraps by Artistic Photo Canvas and metal products from Metal Mural.It takes practice to format your images for these companies.Once you get the hang of it, you will be as creative in your output as you are with your photography!

Specialty Printing Companies

Metal Mural, Artistic Photo Canvas

Printing Labs Standard and Custom print sizes

Bay Photo, Mpix, EZ-Photo

Create a custom print for Metal Murals

Metal Mural reproduces high quality images on metal in a modular design, perfect for reproducing art, portraits, wedding photos and more on a durable, scratch resistant metal.The standard size panel is 12×12.

This tutorial will teach you how to create a custom size panel to reproduce artwork at any size. You will also learn how to increase the size of your image without losing image quality. The prefer software of choice for image enlargement is onOne’s Genuine Fractals. As an added bonus, we will learn about actions.

http://www.exposurepas.com/video/customprintsize/Custom Size Print.mp4

Downloads

Grid Action for Photoshop.

Installation: Download the action file. Launch Photoshop. Make sure your action panel is active: Windows->action. From the drop down menu inside the action palette select Load Action. Select grid.atn