How to Choose Your Photo Sizes and Frame Sizes?
January 18, 2023Are you tired of buying frames only to find out they don't fit your photos? Or perhaps you've struggled with cropping and resizing images to fit a specific frame size.
Worry no more; whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking to display your favorite memories at home, this guide will discuss the factors to consider when selecting the size of your photos and frames and help you make informed decisions and showcase your images in the best way possible.
Common Types of Photo Sizes
1. Standard
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Standard photo sizes are typically rectangular and are the most common type of photo size. These sizes are typically used for printing and displaying photos and range from small to large. These sizes typically include:
- 4×6
- 5×7
- 8×10
- 8×24
- 5×15
- 11×14
- 12×36
- 16×20
- 20×30
- 24x30
- 24x36
2. Square
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Square-size photos are characterized by their equal length and width and are a popular choice for printing and displaying photos. These sizes are often used to showcase candid shots or to create a cohesive look when displayed in a group. Square-size photos are also great for social media platforms such as Instagram.
These sizes typically include:
- 5×5
- 10×10
- 12×12
- 16×16
- 20×20
- 30×30
3. Large
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Large-size photos are typically over 8x10 inches and are suitable for printing and displaying as wall art or for professional use. These sizes are great for showcasing your best work and are often used by photographers for portfolio purposes or to sell as fine art prints.
Large-size photos are also a great choice for printing and displaying group shots or panoramic images. These sizes typically include:
- 10×13
- 10×20
- 11×14
- 16×20
- 18×24
- 20×24
- 20×30
How to Choose the Photo Print Sizes for Portraits?
When it comes to photo print sizes, there are three options available:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
To ensure you always pick the right size for your portrait, consider the following factors:
- The intended use of the photo: Will the photo be used for personal or professional purposes?
- The intended display of the photo: Will the photo be displayed on a tabletop, framed and hung on a wall, or a billboard?
- The size of the space: Consider the size of the space where the photo will be displayed and choose a size that is appropriate for the space.
- The photo's resolution: High-resolution photos will have more detail and can be printed at larger sizes without losing quality.
1. Small size
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These are typically under 8x10 inches. They are perfect for personal or casual photos with only one subject, such as a single person or pet.
They are also great for displaying on small spaces like a shelf, wallet, or desk. They can work well with both high and low photo resolution.
2. Medium
These range from 8x10 to 16x20 inches. Perfect for group photos, more detailed shots, and more subjects in the frame.
They are great for displaying on larger spaces like walls, desks, or mantels. They work best with high-resolution photos.
6. Large
These range from 18x20 inches and above. Great for large group photos or close-up detail shots. These can be displayed on larger spaces like a wall or mantel.
They only work best with high-resolution photos. If you have a low-resolution photo, it may not be suitable for printing at larger sizes.
How to Choose the Right Photo Frames Sizes?
Choosing the right photo frame size is important to ensure that your photos are displayed in the best way possible. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size for your photo frames:
1. The Size of the Photo
Measure the width and height of your photo in inches and look for a 2-3 inches larger frame. For example, if you have a 4x6 inch photo, you'll want to look for a 6x8 inches or slightly larger frame to ensure that your photo fits properly and is not too small for the frame.
2. The Intended Display of the Photo
Photo by Jonny Caspari on Unsplash
Consider the size of the space where the photo will be displayed and choose a frame size that is appropriate for the space. Large-size frames may be suitable for a statement piece on a large wall, while smaller frames may be better suited for a gallery wall or display on a tabletop.
3. The Matting and Framing Options
Matting adds a border around your photo and can help to create a cohesive look when displayed with multiple photos. Consider choosing a matting color that compliments your photo and the frame to create a polished, cohesive look.
4. Your Style
When selecting a frame for a photo, individuals may consider the style and aesthetic of the frame, the color and finish of the frame, and the overall look and feel of the frame.
Photo by Angèle Kamp on Unsplash
For example, someone with a modern and minimalistic style may prefer a sleek and simple black frame, while someone with a more traditional or vintage style may prefer an ornate or decorative frame.
Bonus: Quick Tutorials to Resize Images for Printing in Photoshop and Lightroom
Photoshop Tutorial
To resize an image in Photoshop for printing, follow these steps:
1. Open the image in Photoshop.
2. Go to the "Image" menu and select "Image Size."
3. In the "Image Size" dialog box, ensure that the "Resample Image" option is checked.
4. Enter the desired width and height for the image in the "Width" and "Height" fields.
5. You can also have the two linked by turning on the constraint tool so that the other will automatically update when changing one dimension.
6. Ensure the resolution is at least 300 since the default settings may be lower.
7. Choose the resample method that you want to use to resample the image. The "Bicubic smoother" option is generally a good choice for printing. "Preserve Detail" is recommended for printing really large images with a reduced noise level of between 5-10
8. Click "OK" to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
9. Save the resized image as a new file by going to the "File" menu and selecting "Save As."
10. It's better to "save as copy" in case you'd want to re-edit the original photo.
11. On the JPEG options, make sure the slider is all the way to the right with a quality of 12 for maximum quality.
12. Make sure Bassline is ticked and click OK.
Image Credit: youtube.com
Lightroom Tutorial
To resize an image in Lightroom for printing, follow these steps:
1. Open the image in Lightroom.
2. Go to the "Develop" module and select the "Crop" tool.
3. In the "Crop" tool options, check the aspect ratio. By default, it's set to 4x6. You can change it to any custom ratio you want to choose.
4. Once done, check the megapixel before exporting to ensure it's as you want.
5. Then click export and on the options, go down to "Image Sizing." Here you can limit the megapixels and change the image's resolution. Five megapixels and 300 resolution is okay.
6. Select the exported image's desired location and file format, and click "Export."
Image Credit: youtube.com
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to print personal snapshots or showcase your professional work, the right size can make all the difference in the impact of your photos. By considering the factors we discussed above, you can confidently select the perfect photo sizes and frames to showcase your images in the best way possible.
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