About The Various Sizes

In the examples below, all of the images are scaled so that their relative sizes can be compared.
In other words, an 8x12 is four times (4x) the size of a 4x6.



The 3x2 Family

Professional 35mm digital cameras shoot in a 3 by 2 aspect ratio (3 wide by 2 high, or 3:2).
The look is very similar to that of a high definition TV (which is 16:9, if you care).

PROs: The "widescreen" look. Makes good use of the camera native data. No cropping issues.
CON: Frames are often unavailable

  4x6
4x6 (typical snapshot size)

8x12
8x12

12x18
12x18

20x30
20x30



The 5x7 Family

5x7 isn't that much different than 3x2
A "wallet" is a one-quarter size 5x7.
3.5x5 is a size offered in a lot of school print packages. It's nearly 5x7 aspect.

PROs: The most common frame sizes. Every relative has one.
CONs: Minor cropping issues.

wallet
2.5x3.5 (Wallet Size)

3.5x5
3.5x5

5x7
5x7



The 11x14 Family

PROs: Common frame size. Big, but not too big. Much more impressive than a 8x10.
CONs: Some cropping issues.

11x14
11x14



The 4x5 Family

4x5 is one of the "medium" size film formats. That's the origin.
You won't see many 4x5 prints, although we use them as "proofs" for portraints.
Nearly everyone has an 8x10 frame. 16x20 is pretty sweet, although too big for most situations.

PRO: Very common frame sizes. Typical for portraits.
CONs: Possible significant cropping issues.

 4x5
4x5

8x10
8x10

16x20
16x20



Every photograph seen on this site is available in printed format.
The sizes you want are available at pricing you can afford.



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Send e-mail to Stephen Mayotte: steve@samayotte.com