Sometimes I have clients ask why a certain image can’t be cropped differently from what I have suggested.  The following image explains the cropping ratios to 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 and square print options:

This is how this image came out from the camera, with an 8×12 crop. Usually, when I am photographing a child during a session, I am careful to make sure that I have enough room when I compose the image so I can have extra space for cropping to most ratios.

Sometimes, however, when I have to chase a busy toddler (like this little one here), I pay more attention to facial expressions, eye contact and the emotion of the moment and not all images will end up with extra space around the subject. In a case like this, not all crops will work for all images. You can see how the lines for the 5×7 ratio are significantly different from the 8×10 crop. I actually prefer and recommend the 8×12 print as a more pleasing alternative.

When I crop an image for a print order, the artistic decision for the crop is carefully made as to preserve all the important elements and the spirit of the capture. The final print will be much more visually attractive and complete with a crop that enhances its value.

I hope this explanation has been able to clarify cropping and the reasons for it.