Photographing, Framing & Cropping

 

If you are capturing images on film, please be certain that you do not shoot past frame 36. When film is spliced together during processing, we generally splice into frame 37. If you have photographed a subject on that frame, that subject will more than likely need to be rephotographed. Since many cameras advance beyond frame 1 and actually begin with frame 2, we strongly recommend ending on frame 35.

 

When you are photographing, you need to allow enough room around the subject or group for cropping to an 8x10 size. Keep in mind that all film sizes require some cropping in order to make a standard-sized print. You may sell only a handful of 8x10s on a job, but for those few we must frequently go back and reprint 7x10s or 8x12s to ensure that we are not cropping too tight and losing a portion of the image. Not only does this delay your job, but we are having to throw away 8x10 prints. This is an added cost that, in the end, gets passed on to you. When photographing individuals for memory mates, trading cards and magazine covers, be sure to hold your camera in the vertical position and do not flip-flop your camera.

 

Below are samples of cropping guides for the four main film sizes: Digital Capture, 35mm, 645 and Ideal (6x7). As you can see from these guides, it is not necessary to shoot two negatives. When shot correctly, the same negative produces an attractive product for all sizes and aspect ratios. When shooting digital, always shoot for an 8x10 crop.

 

In order to assist you in the composition and in-camera cropping of your photographs, Excel Photo produces camera viewfinder masks. These are available, at no cost to you, on request from Customer Service.