TOP 10 Questions #4. Why Doesn't My Print Have the Whole Image from the Contact Sheet?

This question is coming up less and less frequently, but, it still warrants explanation in the case you might not realize this reality of photography.

Why don't your prints have the whole image detail from the online contact sheet? 

Simple. Aspect ratio. On your contact sheet we provide the entire image as captured by the sensor in the camera. Aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of an image to the height. 

An 8x10 image has the same aspect ratio as a 16x20 images (one is exactly twice the size of the other). But both of these have a different aspect ratio than a 5x7. And all three of these have different ratios from an 11x14.

You didn't know you were in for a math lesson, did you?

But what it comes down to, if you want prints of your images, there is a strong possibility that some cropping will need to be done, on the longest side, in order to make the image fit the width of the paper size you have selected. But, you don't have to take equal amounts from each side, you can frame the image in the desired paper size, in the most visually favorable manner possible.

Whether we are your photographer or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Architectural and Aerial Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com
866-722-9506