arnell_umali Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Hi, I'm a hobbyist who has been asked to shoot for a friend's wedding (not the main photographer, of course). For personal work (mostly 35mm format), I normally try to use the entire frame. However, I know that when couples asked for prints, they also want them in sizes other than that similar to the negative aspect ratio (e.g. 5x7, 8x10, etc). Hence, I would like to ask the pros on the list how much do you crop at the viewfinder (especially for candid/pj type shots). TIA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think27 Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Interesting question. I have a tendency to shoot important shots three times or more. I zoom in and fill the frame, I pull back and make sure there is space above, below or in horizontal - on the sides to crop when printing 3 1/2x5, 5x7 and 8x10. 4x6 and 8x12 will include the whole frame. <p>I still like the images where I shoot tight and those shots are often used as 4x6 size in albums - 2 to 4 on a page. The rest are easily reprinted in any size. You have to leave a little more room for a 8x10 vs a 5x7. I indicate in the proof albums when a shot can not be an 8x10 but can be an 8x12. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 The rule of thumb for planning an 8x10 print from a 35mm neg is as follows:Always leave room at ends of groups for an extra person at each end,and leave a head's height extra vertical space above.This allows the crop to occur with only the loss of blank space,not parts of the people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think27 Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Steve - Good way to do it! What is your rule of thumb for 5x7's -- 1/2 person on each side in a group would probably be enough...and a half a head for 5x7? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Replace your viewfinder screen with a BrightScreen with 5x7 and 8x10 crop lines built in. Now there is no more guessing -- just look at the crop lines in the viewfinder as you are composing. <p> For most 35mm cameras you will need the <a href="http://www.brightscreen.com/ styles.html">"H" crop</a> (half way down the page): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Mary:the way I shoot for either 5x7 or 8x10 crop is spaced about the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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