Cropping at the viewfinder

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.

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.

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.

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?

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):

Mary:the way I shoot for either 5x7 or 8x10 crop is spaced about the same.