I am looking at putting together some prints with mats, and clear bag sleeves to start selling in local shops. The problem I am having is, most of the images I want to print and sell are wide angle shots that are in a ratio of 3:2 (4X6). The mat and sleeve kits are mostly for prints 5:4 (8X10, 16X20). I try to crop the images down to 8X10 or 16X20, but they just don't look as good (some just don't work at all). So I am looking for advice or ideas here.

Do I need to shoot my photos differently, start cropping all my images to 5:4 ratio from the get go, or what?

Example, this picture just doesn't work for me once cropped to 8X10.

I found lots of pre-cut mats in 2:3 aspect ratio at matcutters.com

I often refuse to print "an 8 X 10" for customers, because I have composed within the frame and don't want to crop. When they insist, I typically make a 7 X 10-1/2 and cut a custom mat.

<Chas>

You can purchase from several places pre-cut mats that are sized with the inside 8x12, or whatever, and the outside sized to fit standard consumer frames, like 12x16 or 16x20.

You can always just sell the prints without a mat, or print with a digital mat, and let the purchaser do their own matting.

This would also allow you to set the price lower and eliminate your need for cropping.

Cut your own mats.....it`s cheaper and you can cut 12 x 16`s.....18 x 24`s and 24 x 30`s. Clear bags .com sells bags and sleeves in almost any size....