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 aren't always available

  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-fourth size 5x7.

PROs: The most common frame size. Every relative has one.
CONs: A funny aspect ratio. Minor cropping issues.

wallet
2.5x3.5 (Wallet Size)

5x7
5x7



The 11x14 Family

PROs: Common frame size. Big, but not "too" big.
CONs: A funny aspect ratio (similar to 5x7). 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. Sometimes they are used as "proofs" for portraints.
Nearly everyone has an 8x10 frame. 16x20 is pretty sweet.

PRO: Very common frame sizes.
CONs: Painfully square. 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