Ruzveltova 8
Services

Photo tips and common mistakes

Useful background: aspect ratio, print sizes and what to check on your camera before you shoot.

Aspect ratio and choosing a print size

Print sizes depend on the aspect ratio. Classic 35 mm film, or Leica format, had a 3:2 ratio, which is 15:10 in centimetres. Camera makers keep that sensor ratio only in more expensive professional cameras. Cheaper consumer cameras have a 4:3 = 13.5:10 sensor (sold as 14:10), on the grounds that it matches the screen.

Screens have since widened to 16:9, while the sensors of most consumer cameras are still 4:3. Better cameras offer 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 in the menu, but the sensor stays 4:3 and the picture is simply cropped. A 12 MP sensor has 4000 × 3000 pixels: 1:1 gives you 3000 × 3000, 3:2 gives 4000 × 2700 and 16:9 gives 4000 × 2250 pixels.

A 4:3 shotThis is how you see it on the screen and camera.
10 × 15 print, croppedPart of the picture is lost at the top and bottom.
10 × 15 with white marginsThe whole shot at 10 × 14, with 0.5 cm of white on each side.

If you like 10 × 14, 13 × 17 or 11 × 15 (4:3), the print shows everything you saw on the screen. On 10 × 15 the photo is cropped at the top and bottom; where we think it matters, we shrink the picture so that the 10 × 15 print shows the whole 10 × 14 shot with 0.5 cm white margins left and right.

What to do

  • Check whether your camera lets you choose 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. Pick one and order prints in that ratio. If you're not sure, come and ask us.
  • Frame your shots with more spare space at the top and bottom.
  • Take part when your photos are printed.
  • Leave it to us, with no complaints afterwards.

Every size we print, with the pixels each one needs, is on the page photo print sizes.

Before you shoot

Check the basic settings now and then, and always if you have lent your camera to someone else.

AUTO, P, S, A, M, scene modesThe dial most often moved by accident. Beginners should keep it on AUTO or P.
ResolutionIdeally as high as possible.
WB, white balanceIf you don't know how to use it, leave it on AUTO WB, otherwise shots can come out blue, yellow or red.
ISO sensitivityAlso best left on AUTO.
FlashAUTO, or the 'eye' icon if you don't want red eyes.
BatteryCheck the charge before an important or long shoot.
'Flower' or macroOnly for distances from 1 to 50–60 cm. Further away, shots will be blurred.
Memory cardThe number of shots left is usually in the top right corner of the screen.
Flashing hand iconThe shot may be blurred because of a long exposure. Hold still, take it again, put the camera on a tripod or set the self-timer to 2 or 10 seconds.
Clock iconKeep it off. It is for the situation above, or when you want to be in the shot yourself: 10 seconds to get into the frame.
FingersThe index or middle finger of the left hand often covers the flash. The right thumb presses the flash, 'clock' and 'flower' buttons, so check everything above often.
Check on a computerThe camera screen is small and can fool you, especially with a blurred shot, low resolution or noise from high ISO.
We hope these tips help when you take photos. We'll add example photos to the explanations soon.
Call us+381 11 2402-601Ruzveltova 8