Remember The 8×10?
Years ago, as I was making my first images with a borrowed camera and consumer print film, I remember the pains, cost, and long wait to order “an enlargement” from the local photo studio. I also remember the thrill of studying those “large” glossy eight-by-tens. They were just the right size to hold in front of one’s face and take in the detail without giving up the full view of the composition.
These days many photographers are able to make prints many times larger and for a fraction of the cost in their own home studio. It seems the trend is to print every single image as large as possible, regardless of the presentation method.
Certainly large prints work well for some images, and for some venues, but in other cases an image can completely lose impact when printed above a certain size. Subtleties of composition, tone, and detail can be completely missed when one needs to step back just to take in the entire frame.
I still take immense pleasure in making and studying exquisitely detailed 8×10 prints. Sometimes the difference in viewing experience can be quite dramatic.
Some movies are best enjoyed in the intimacy of one’s living room rather than an IMAX theater. Some thrills offered by a little convertible sports car can never be had with a large pickup. Some words are best whispered in your ear than blasted through massive speakers.
As you set out to decide on the optimal print size, consider the message the image conveys and how your viewers will come into contact with it. Don’t always assume that bigger is better.
Category: Thoughts and Musings
I couldn’t agree more! I love printing my own 8x10s.
I’ll do you one smaller: some of my photographs look best printed ‘contact’ sized: 4×5 inches. There’s a particular intimacy with small prints and certain images that cannot be had any other way.
I’m a huge fan of small prints. In fact, I make small, 6″x9″ prints of all of my “best” images.
I was just thinking about the very same thing and finally had the time to read this post. I have the ability to print 44 inches wide in my office and have done so many times. However, recently, I’ve been working on those smaller prints to create some collections and absolutely love it! It’s always about the quality.