People are frequently asking me to make them prints that don't match aspect ratio of the image that they are using to make their request. . For example, they will see a 2:3 aspect ration image on my website and ask for an 8x10 or 11x14 enlargement. When I tell them that a slight bit of the image will be lost, they give me a blank stare. The people asking for the prints are not photographers. They are lay people who want a print of a particular photo. I've even had a request for an 8x10 print of a 1:5 panorama.
In the past I've tried to explain the situation individually, each time it arises. I've finally decided to create a generic web page that I can ask people to read when this issue arises.
I'd appreciate feedback on what I've written. My gut tells me that it's still too complicated for the average non-photographer but I can't seem to figure out how to simplify it further. Here's a link to the page as it now stands:
I review and edit a lot of documents in the normal course of my job. One general rule I use is to always ask for every sentence, "Does this add to the story, or is it a distraction?" Answering this honestly and ruthlessly will clarify and shorten a document.
I think your essay could benefit from this type of editing. Step back and examine each sentence for its contribution to your message. If it's not contributing, delete it.
Mardon I think your idea to provide an explanation to customers is excellent, and from my standpoint what you've written is easily understood. However I think your gut feeling is correct in that some may find it too technically challenging even if they do take time to read it. The only suggestion I could make is to provide some more image samples to support your text.
Coincidentally I'm in the middle of a similar dilemma. Two of my relatives received digital photo-frames for Christmas and they have both asked me to load on some family event photos for them. Both of these units are 16:9 ratio
which makes cropping quite difficult if they want the screen full and no blank borders or stretching distortion. I'm going to get them to read your essay because I can't explain it as well.
Mardon, I'm not able to read and comprehend your essay at present (my fault) but in the meantime let me suggest that you put multiple versions of your images on your web site, with each version optimised for different common print sizes and labelled accordingly. That might prevent some of the customers asking for the wrong thing.
Mardon. A simple solution is to use the artist's enlargement diagram. In a large 11 x 14 inch rectangle you show a slanting line from corner to corner, intersecting the line with different sizes of pictures with just one side of each rectangle that matches. Or show another rectangle with the other side matching. The part of any frame that doesn't match is shaded. Of course you show size numbers. Starting in the lower left corner you show a 35mm frame to cover negatives, showing how it doesn't fit the actual 8 x 10 pic, and so on. The rectangles should show actual size and shade the area cut off. I'm sure you get the idea. One picture, very little text to explain it. Readable, which yours is not for the average person asking WHY?!! Just tell them this is how your picture size fits the standard picture frame. What part would you prefer to lose?
