processing without cropping my shots

Falld5 · 07-23-2009, 06:52 AM

Hello all. Does anyone know of an online processing company that will not automatically crop my shots? I have been using Shutterfly, which I am very happy with the quality of the pictures but am displeased with the fact that all of my shots are cropped down to fit their format. I photoshopped some of my shots adding a frame and cropping to where I wanted my end shot to be. The top portion of the added frame is there, but the sides are gone. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm going to try to reformat the shot so that it will 'fit' into shutterfly's format but just wondering if anyone has any other ideas. Thanks~Donna

MrApollinax · 07-23-2009, 06:58 AM

Online printing through shutterfly, target or walmart or a similar service will only print in standard formants i.e. 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10. If your cropped shot does not fit into those formats the online software typically will approximate the size by centering and cropping the image as needed. Some will allow you to move a frame around on the image to allow you to control the crop.

If you want to keep your frames and cropping then I would suggest that you crop and add frames that will fit in the size print you are going to order.

*Wheatfield* · 07-23-2009, 07:34 AM

You have to format your files to fit the format of the print.
If your file is cropped to (for example) a 4x7 aspect and you order a 4x6 print, something is going to get cropped.

timbo13 · 07-23-2009, 08:32 AM

SmugMug will let you print odd sizes, you can choose to fit inside the standard size and you
get white fill on the edges as required.

Lazaruscomeout · 07-23-2009, 10:28 AM

In Photoshop, you can crop your picture to the final dimensions and resolution, then change the canvas size to the print size.

For example:

if you want a 4" X 4" picture to print on a 4 X 6 without losing the top and bottom:

crop to 4" X 4" @ 300 dpi
Change canvas size to 6" X 4"
save as jpg

You will see your square image with white panels on the left and right which is what should print.

Keep in mind the fact that most labs will process a bit of bleed to be cropped off, so you might lose 1/8" or so from the edges. To overcome that, simply make your image 3-3/4" X 3-3/4" and your canvas size 6" X 4".

Gerry