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So how do you do it, what dimension do you crop to to show the customer, an 8 x 10? And if so do you also keep a second version of the image in case someone wants to order a 4 x 6 so you can add back in the extra part on the sides? Or do you do like i have been and just show the proofs at 4 x 6 and crop it in if a bigger one is ordered?

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Dee Dee,
I understand the problem and there's no simple solution. I proof in one format only -- 8.5X11 if I'm printing myself; 8X10 if I'm sending to my lab. But, remember, my basic product is an 8X10 formal. If folks want snapshot size prints, I simply give them 4X5 from the lab or print my reduced 8.5X11 image on 4X6 paper and cut it down. 5X7s require a re-crop in most cases and I go back to the original and crop to that dimension for either in-house or lab printing.

When I do other portraits, I try to proof according to subject matter. For example, we did a wedding portrait of an older couple that made a great square image and then blew it up to 20X20 on canvas and had it on the mantle when they were married in their home. They loved it and I got more portraits to shoot from the family.

Another image I shot at a wedding (yes, I unfortunately do them for friends -- but I hate it!!) needed to be full-frame 8X12 so I left it in that format. Here it is.



Both of those images were proofed at the cropped dimensions. I don't think people can visualize it if you don't show it to them pretty much the way you want to finish it.

Cropping is one of the most powerful tools we have. Look at some of Tony's images. He is, in my opinion, the cropmeister. He really knows how to focus your eye on what he wants you to see. In the studio work especially, you need to make sure you do the same.

Keep experimenting,

Jim