Selling consistent print sizes and image aspect ratio

[zebedoo]

Morning all (in UK time anyway!)

I'm not sure if this is the right area of the forums to post this question, so apols in advance if it's not....

To date, my freelance work has been through a picture agency, so obviously the library has managed my print output and sales. I would like to move to selling more 'fine art' prints via my own website, so am going through the motions of creating the site/selecting images etc.

I could do with some advice re how to manage the 'size' of print that I offer to customers. For example, if I offer 'standard' sizes, such as 10 x 8" and upwards, then clearly not all of my images will fit into this ratio, given the fact that they have been cropped etc from the original. I think this leaves me with the following options?

* State the exact print size that each individual image is available in (this would be fairly resource intensive as I would need to figure this out for each image and update text in the site/pricing etc on an image by image basis)
* Offer 'small, medium and large' print prices and state the actual sizes of the print on the page with the image (better than above as only 3 prices, but still need to figure out the exact sizes that would correspond to S/M/L for each image)
* Use standard sizes and include a caveat that images will come with a small white border (less work, but customer will not know exact size of the actual image until it arrives.


Does anyone have any advice re simplifying this issue so that I am offering consistent sizes acorss the site, but within the constraints of the aspect ratio of my images?

Many thanks in advance for any comments,

Simon

[GeoffWessex]

I'd check the local photographic shops to see what frames and mattes they stock.

We all (should) know that several of the 'traditional' frame sizes, like 8" x 10", 5" x 7" are, really, not relevant with not only today's digital results, but ever since 35mm film was used - but they are still available in shops. However, if you did 14" x 11" and some variations of that ratio plus 8x10 5x7.

Or you could look around at other photo sites and see what they're selling.

[AndyStevens]

Not sure of the legality under the distance selling regulations of offering Small, Med, Large prints - think you need to specify exact sizes (but I could be wrong...).

I offer 10x8, 15x10 and 18x12 prints from my website with standard pricing - on the 'prints' page, I have a note - 'Please note, due to the 3:2 ratio of Canon sensors, some cropping will occur on 10" x 8" prints. This only potentially affects background areas and every effort is made not to impact upon the subject or mood of the image.'

I offer 10x8 as it's really easy to get mounts/frames for them - 15x10 and 18x12 are also quite readily available but if you're having one that size you would probably get it framed at a shop so size kind of becomes irrelevant.

[riddell]

It doesn't really work like that.

A cutomer will order what they want, and should be able to.

You'll often find a customer will order the same image as a 7x5, 6x8, 8x10 and then maybe as a 16x24 canvas

The same image, many ratios! and so you have to use your judgement to crop them to the respective sizes.

Paul.
www.photographybyriddell.co.uk

[AndyStevens]

If I'm contacted direct, I'll do whatever size the client asks for - but for my website sales, the 3 sizes/options have worked well so far as they only want one image to hang on the wall. I guess it comes down to what you're offering to whom - my site offers landscapes etc to all and sundry. If you're a wedding tog, then the client's needs will be a bit more specific to them...

[swan lover]

I would also go with what ratio your camera does its picture size eg 3''x2'' or 4''x3'' works for me I also crope my priints to A4 since th emounts around here are cut to take a pic of that size.

[KeithT]

Most small galleries will cut matts to size for you if you ask. I usually pay around £2.50 - 3.00 for a 15x12 matt overlay. My small gallery also does dry mounting for around the same price. I think if you are selling prints paying attention to detail at this stage really pays dividends.

[AndyStevens]

You're right Keith, a photo is only as good as the presentation. I invested in my own matt cutter a few years ago as I found a lot of shop bought ones weren't consistent. And I'm about to try PermaJet's repositionable mounting spray - the concept sounds good, now to move from the tin on my desk to some spray on the print/matt!

[KeithT]

I used to cut my own, but found with the wastage and bad corner cuts (my own fault of course) it was cheaper to get someone else to do it for me. And the adhesive isn't cheap either is it? The gallery I use in West Cowes, here on the Isle of Wight, use an almost verticle cutter which is guided by computer software. I get perfect corners every time and can have whatever mount size that the software can produce. I wouldn't mind one of these cutters myself, but I can have two 5d MKII's for the price they cost...