Matching the camera's aspect ratio to the print size prevents cropping.
Depending on the model of camera you use, your sensor's aspect ratio might not equal the size of your photo lab's paper. If the two don't align, then the lab will crop your image during printing. Most DSLRs feature a 3:2 aspect ratio, which means that if the long side of the image runs 3 inches, then the short side runs 2 inches. Most point-and-shoot cameras feature a 4:3 aspect ratio. If you order a print with a different ratio, the lab must crop it. To avoid cropping on mismatched aspect ratios, add a border around the image using a digital photo editing program.
Instructions
Resize the photo to match the lab's sizes
1. Open the image in a digital photo editing program, such as the free Paint.NET.
2. Open the "Resize" tool in the "Image" menu.
3. Check the "By absolute size" and the "Maintain aspect ratio" check boxes.
4. Input the print height that your lab offers under "Print size." If the program adjusts the print width to the size your lab offers, then the lab won't crop the print. You don't need to do anything else. If the width differs from the offered width, then you need to add a border. For example, if you want to order 4- by 6-inch prints, enter 4 inches under height. If the width changes to 6 inches, then the lab won't crop. If the width changes to 5 inches, then the lab will crop your image.
5. Reduce the print height by 0.25 inch increments until both the height and width are at least 0.25 inches smaller than the print size you want to order. Reduce the print height only if the lab will crop your resized photo.
6. Click "OK."
Add a Border
7. Open the "Canvas Size" tool by clicking on it from the "Image" menu.
8. Select "Middle" under the "Anchor" drop-down menu.
9. Check the "By absolute size" box, and uncheck the "Maintain aspect ratio" box.
10. Enter the height and width of the print your lab offers under "Print Resize."
11. Press "OK." Save the image, and take it to your lab.
