Originally posted by slowpez I think I understand about aspect ratio. I just don't see why it should matter.
In which case, you don't truly understand it.
Here's a short version: square peg, round hole.
Quote: So, if I understand you guys right, there is no way to print this bird without having to order a special size and mat so I can frame it?
Hard to say without seeing the image. But it's not rocket science. Set your software to show you a crop rectangle with the correct aspect ratio. Then try resizing dragging that rectangle around the image to see if you can find something you like.
BTW, Costco will print 12x18' - exact same 2:3 aspect ratio as your camera. Prints are $3 each last I checked. You can occasionally find an 12x18" frames, but they aren't common. However, if someone were to make a read-made mat that had a 12x18" opening and was 3" wide, you'd have an 18x24" outer dimension, which is absolutely a standard frame size (in the US, anyhow). So if you're looking to have a larger print made and frame it with mat, I'd just find someone to cut you a 18x24" mat with a 12x18" opening. Even if it costs $15, that plus the price of the print is still under $20. And you can find 18x24" frames for no more than that, too.