It's a Ratio Thing

I was recently asked a very good question by a client. 
I felt it would be a good question to discuss here, because it not only applies to clients ordering reprints and enlargements, but it can also apply to the beginning photographer when composing their photographs.


The client asked "I ordered an 8x10, and when I got it back, some of the edges were missing!".


This is because most digital SLR cameras shoot in a format that has an aspect ratio of 3:2.  This creates a "full frame" image in the standard size of 4 by 6 inches.  Most "point and shoot" digital cameras have a ratio of 4:3, because that is (well, used to be, anyway) the ratio of the standard computer monitor.


The 3:2 DSLR aspect ratio is perfect, as long as you're printing 4x6 images.  But if you want different sized images, there will most likely be cropping involved.  How much cropping?  Let's find out by doing some first semester algebra.  Let's say you have a DSLR image that you'd like to make into a 5x7.  How much will be cropped?  You have a frame that is 5 inches wide, but how long will the "long" edge be?


4             5
---   =     ---
6             x                      (6x5)/4 = 7.5


Your final image will be 5X7.5, which means that you will lose a half an inch off the long edge.  That's not much of a crop and can usually be done without any manual  adjustments.  The standard lab will cut .25 inch off of either end for a symmetrical crop.


However, if you wish to get an 8X10 printed, the cropping is more drastic.  For an 8X10 you are going from an aspect ratio of 3:2 to one of 5:4.  If you've done the math, you will see that a "full frame" image would be 8X12, NOT 8X10.  Two inches is quite a chop, and rarely will these images look perfect with a symmetrical chop.  Here's a visual:

This is a standard 3:2 ratio image from the camera:

This is the above image with a "symmetrical" crop, one inch from either end.  This would be the standard crop from most photo labs:

Here is an adjusted crop that will give you a better result.  Now the head is no longer cropped off, but we still end up with the proper ratio for an 8x10.  Many labs will let you adjust this cropping area, but you must first specify where you want your cropping.  If you don't, you will get the standard, symmetrical crop.

Here is the final 8X10 cropped print with the adjusted ratio:

How does this apply to the beginning photographer?  Because when you are taking photographs, keep in mind that you (or someone else) might want an 8x10 of the photo and you may wish to leave some space on the edges for cropping.  This is especially important with large group photos.  When a group is large, the tendency is to stretch the group all the way to the edges.  But this can cause a problem later if 8X10 (or 16X20) enlargements are wanted.

This was the final image AFTER cropping.  I purposely left room on the sides for cropping.

I hope this has been helpful!


JB

Who are you hiring?

There are times in life when you wish to be specific about the people you trust.  Most people are uncomfortable going to a Doc in the Box instead of their usual, trusted personal physician.
People develop similar relationships with their dentists, hairdressers, car mechanics, and babysitters.


So when the day comes that you decide to get married and hold a grand event for all of your family and friends, you naturally want to hire quality personnel.  They will be the people ensuring that your day is flawless.
Hopefully, you have done your homework so that your caterer, photographer, florist, and DJ will be good choices to ensure that your day is happy, and memorable.


No one wants a caterer who runs out of food, flowers that wilt, a photographer who can't focus, or a DJ with the personality of Ben Stein.
So, when you hire these folks, naturally you interview with them, look at their past work, contact former clients, and check them out thoroughly on the internet.  Right?  RIGHT?


"But I'm on a budget!"
To a degree, we're ALL on budgets.  The current economy has tanked, so everyone out there is looking to get the most for the least.  Please remember that the most expensive service provider does not automatically mean they're the best.  Just like the least expensive doesn't automatically mean they're no good.  The secret is to find the right balance between the two.


For example, there are "big name" places that offer package deals for weddings.  They will offer you a DJ and a photographer in one very cheap package.  I used the word "cheap" on purpose.  These places are often not locally based, and hire people on-contract to carry out the work.  To grab a quote from the movie "Armageddon":  


"Hey Harry, you know we're sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has two hundred thousand moving parts built by the lowest bidder.  Makes you feel good doesn't it?"


Here's the main problem with these places:  You normally hire them 6-12 months in advance.  Within that timeframe, these photographers and DJs realize that working for peanuts isn't paying the bills, and they move on.  This means that the photographer and DJ, whom you may have already checked out, may not be the same one(s) to actually carry out the job.


Check out this complaint about one such company online ( found on ripoffreport.com).  The bride had hired one specific DJ, who bailed before her wedding and a substitution was made (which is common for these big companies).  She had specifically asked that no sexually explicit songs be played at the reception, as there were to be many religious folks there:
  "During the recption, the following songs were playing:  Baby Got Back, Hot In Herre and the like. I had to tell (name of subbed DJ removed) at one point to turn off the song he was playing. After the wedding, I had to call several guests and apologize for the sexually explicit music that was played at the reception."

Did you catch that?  The bride had to apologize to her guests at her wedding!


With the exception of the caterer, there is NO training or licensing required to become a DJ, florist, or photographer.
That's right.  A guy with an iPod and a Mr. Microphone can become a "professional DJ".
A guy who picks daisies from his back yard can become a "professional florist"
and a guy with a camera phone can become a "professional photographer".


Spend a few hours researching before you write that deposit check.  It could make the difference between this:

And This:

Here are some great resources for your research:
www.ripoffreport.com
www.complaints.com
www.complaintsboard.com
http://www.bargaineering.com/

Good luck, and happy wedding planning!

Who are you?

This isnt going to be a blog about photography.
Today I'd just like to take a few moments and talk about people.  People;  you, me, our friends, family, the cashier at the grocery store, and your trash collector.  Everyone.


There's a lot to be said about treating people right.  People who treat others with respect will gain mine.  People who tolerate others, despite the fact that they dislike them, also gain respect.

But people who feel the need to go out of their way to exert their false sense of superiority display such a voided sense of honor in themselves, raise themselves to a whole new platform of asininity.


School bullies are a good example.  "Hey, I'm a bully, so I'll yell childish names at you to make myself feel uber superior!"
But this behavior doesn't stop in the school hallways.  Sometimes it involves name-calling, sometimes it involves unmistakable body language.  In either case, how we behave in the presence of those we dislike speaks volumes about who we are.


You don't have to like the people around you, but it would be to your own reputation's benefit to be cordial.  You are watched by everyone around you, whether it be children, other adults, prospective employers (known or unknown), teachers, students, family, and friends.


Set an example of what a prudent human being should be, and remember that those you disrespect may be carrying heavy burdons themselves.  You may be in those shoes one day.

Mawwiage....

"Mawwiage is what bwings us togevah...today". ~ The Impressive Clergyman
If you've seen "The Princess Bride", you will get that.  If not, I probably sound like an idiot.

I get so many questions from people, and since this is the season for wedding planning, I thought now would be a good time for some photographer-ly advice.

I've designed a set of suggestions to help prospective brides get the most out of their wedding photography.  I know I have a vested interest in this advice, and I suppose the importance of this advice is in direct proportion to the importance you place on your wedding photos.  I've seen both end of the spectrum, from brides who are flippant about photos to brides who plan their entire day around the photographs.
Personally, I have more fun with the latter :)
Let's face it, ladies.  When, again, will you ever wear a dress as elaborate and expensive as the one you will wear on your wedding day?  When, again, will you have every hair in place (with an Aqua Net insurance policy), every fingernail immaculately manicured, every blemish professionally Mary Kay'd, and 6 of your closest friends at your every beck and call?
If there is ever a day in your life to exploit Paparazzi, this is IT!

Suggestion #1:  Do your photos ahead of time!  Yes, you will need to see your groom.  No, this doesn't cause any increase in the divorce rate :)  As of today, I can still say I have received 100% positive feedback from this decision....some going as far as saying it's the best decision they made in the wedding planning.
Why?
Unless you designate 2 hours between ceremony and reception (which is pretty rough on guests, especially if they are elderly), then you will have to squash your important "together" photos (plus all the group shots) into a very rushed timeslot.  This causes a lot of stress on the wedding party (who now wishes to get to the reception and eat/party/dance) which in turn can affect the images.

Seeing your fiance' before the wedding is a great time to sit and talk together....ALONE!  You won't get another moment alone until it's all over!  Brides say it alleviated their fears to speak with their finace', they know he has arrived, is dressed, and is ready for the big day.  It's also a perfect time to exchange personal gifts for one-another.  And as one bride put it:  "I wanted HIM to see me in my dress first! I wanted to see his reaction and get photos of his reaction.  I didn't want to share that special moment with 200 other people!"

And the biggest reason to ditch this archaic tradition is the history behind it.  This tradition stems from the age of arranged marriages, where a father was paid a dowry and a woman was married off (with or without her consent) to the guy with the largest sum of money.  If she was unattractive, this tradition kept the groom from backing out ahead of time.  Um...EEEEK!!

SUGGESTION #2 : Don't overdo the makeup, at least for the photos.

Sure, you're going to want a professional makeover, and if the makeup artist is experienced with bridal makeup, s/he may already know this tip.  Some brides will go light on the makeup, then "touch up" before the ceremony.  Imperfections will be retouched in post-production, so there are no worries about a flawless complexion.  Too much makeup can cause pictures to look un-natural (the "Barbie Doll" look) and can cause extra facial shine.
And guys?  This would definitely be a good day for one of those "clean, close shaves".  It's also a good idea for the guys to get a haircut about a week before the wedding, and not immediately before.  Hair looks more natural and "tan lines" even out better when there is a small gap between the haircut and the wedding.

SUGGESTION #3:  Don't forget to include your photographer(s) and DJ in the dinner count.  We really don't have time to stop off for a Happy Meal between the ceremony and reception (especially if you don't go with Suggestion #1) and we're usually famished come reception time :)  We thank you, and we appreciate it!


SUGGESTION #4:  If you have any aspiring photographers in the family, please let them know that you've hired someone for the day.  I don't mind it when other guests take pictures at all, unless they try to take over or get in my way.  It just seems easier if they arrive at the wedding with prior knowledge that they aren't obligated or expected to produce.  I rarely have problems with casual shooters.  I want guests to get lots of pictures!  It simply makes for awkward situations when they get carried away :)  THANK YOU in advance!

SUGGESTION #5:  Please don't stress out if the little ones in your wedding party are not as cooperative as you'd like them to be.  The more you stress, the more they sense it and act out accordingly.  If they refuse to pose for a group shot, simply don't include them in the photo.  A majority of the time the little guy/gal will realize that he's not so happy being excluded, and the problem will solve itself.  If not, there will probably be plenty of other opportunities to get some natural candids of those children.  They won't be forgotten!  In 10 years you can chide them about why they aren't in some of the group photos, and you can all have a good laugh over the deal.  :)

And finally, SUGGESTION #6:  Take the advice of Suggestion #1  :)