What can I do to ensure that my photos aren't cropped when I have them developed at Costco?

Question

A slight portion of the top and bottom of the photos always get cropped when I get them developed there.

Answer 1

The default pic shape in most digital cameras translates to 4.5 x 6 in. So when we go to a photo center to get 4x6's printed, they have to crop off 1/2 inch somewhere. Most take 1/4 inch off the top and bottom.

Check your camera's image size and see if you can chose a shape that translates to 4x6 inches. Some cameras offer the "aspect ratio" of 2:3; some offer a pixel resolution that translates to 2:3 (4x6 inches). Some cameras do not offer this shape.

So choices are:

. Change your camera to the 2:3 (4x6 in.) shape
. Remember to leave space at the top and bottom of a 3:4 (4.5x6 in.) shape
. Print your pics at home with 4.5x6 in. shape

By the way, 4.5x6 in. pics usually will not fit in albums designed for 4x6. Grrrrrrrrrr!

Good Luck

Answer 2

Almost all photo printers use a standard size print designed for development of 35mm film. Not all digital cameras create an image that fits this standard. The more expensive the camera and the better the brand, the more likely the image size is correct.

Other printers may be using a computer program to force your file to fit on the paper. Although you won't lose the edges of your photo, the entire photo will be slightly distorted. It's actually better to crop. Use a program like Photoshop to crop the image yourself so that it is the proper size. That way, you get to choose what stays and what goes.

Or buy a better camera.

Answer 3

Well said Panacea. I'd like to add that your problem is analagous to a widescreen movie on a regular 4:3 TV screen - they're not the same size/shape so either you have to crop some parts out to fill the print or have black bars to get the full frame. In your case, you'd have black bars on the side of your prints to prevent cropping.

My Canon point and shoot produces pictures that are more square than a 4x6 print so parts get croppped out. My Nikon D200 on the other hand, produces pictures that are the same aspect ratio as a 4x6 print so there is no cropping.

Answer 4

I have never had that problem at Costco, in fact it is the only place I have film developed. I would try a different location if there are more than one in your area, and if not, speak to the photo manager. I had a simple problem once that was quickly resolves with the manager. It may be an easy fix. It may be that when they center the photos (which they do to optimize the photo you took) they think they're doing you a favor. Ask them not to center your photos, instead develop them just as they were shot.

Answer 5

Make sure they write on the envelope, DO NOT CROP ANY PHOTOS!
The developing labs are probably set to crop all pictures exactly the same way, so if you don't want that then specify it in writing.
Also if they do still crop them after that, then you should be able to get them for free or have them redo them at no charge,
because it is in writing, not to crop!

Answer 6

Ask for "Full Format" prints in whatever size you want For so-called 8x10, it will be something like 6.6x10 instead of 8x10, but you can cut or matte it the way you want. And so on... I always found 5x7 to be the closest match for a 35 mm frame.

Answer 7

you camera isnt shootin the aspect ratio developed film is taken @

precrop your picture on your computer to ensure what you want on the photo is there...