Do you limit the size a client can order on cropped photos?

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Question from Jaime: “I always avoid cropping photos for fear of lost quality which is obvious. Do you limit the size a client can order on cropped photos? And, what size is the max photo you usually offer for sale on all prints… 11×14, 16×20 or larger?”

Cara:  This question has so many factors (your camera’s model, the method of cropping, your printing company’s optimum/minimum recommended resolution etc.) I try to crop in-camera as close to what I want as possible. I offer up to 30″x40″ on all images… if a client happens to order a really large copy of one that I’ve cropped, I will deal with the issue at the time… I’ve had issues only once. I explained the situation to the client and gave her the choice of a slightly looser crop or a different image, she chose a different image.

Jess: I don’t generally crop unless I need to I generally take what I like when I am shooting if i do crop I don’t put a limit on the size they want to order I let them know in advance that it was cropped and may not be as clear in a large picture but would be perfectly fine for mom to have in her own frame. Overall size I offer is 30×40 I believe in both print and canvas.

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