Let’s talk about something that sounds super technical but actually has a big impact on how your photos look and print: aspect ratio.
We promise not to get too geeky about it—but if you’ve ever tried to post a beautiful professional portrait online only to see it get cropped in a weird way, or tried to print an 8x10 but lost part of someone’s head, you’ve already felt the effects of aspect ratios.
So let’s break it down.
What Is an Aspect Ratio, Anyway?
In simple terms, aspect ratio is just the shape of your photo—specifically, the ratio of width to height. For example:
- a 4:5 ratio is taller and more square-ish
- a 3:2 ratio is more rectangular—think of a classic 4x6 print
- a 1:1 is a perfect square (hello, Instagram)
The ratio you choose affects how the photo looks, how much of the image shows up, and how it prints. It’s kind of a big deal.
Most Common Aspect Ratios for Portrait Photography
In professional portrait sessions and headshots, we usually work with these aspect ratios:
2:3 – This is the original shape straight out of most professional cameras. It’s perfect for prints like 4x6, 8x12, and 12x18.
4:5 – Often used for 8x10 prints, but it involves cropping the original image. (Pro tip: if you’re ordering an 8x10, let us know so we can make sure nothing important gets chopped.)
5:7 – Common for framed prints and still close to the original shape, but again, a slight crop is needed.
1:1 – Used mostly for social media and profile pictures—definitely not a natural fit for full-body portraits, unless you want some major cropping.
Why It Matters for Social Media
Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn all have their own preferred image shapes:
- Instagram or Facebook feed: 1:1 or 4:5 (tall portrait)
- Instagram stories & reels: 9:16 (vertical full-screen)
- Facebook cover photo: Super wide (like 16:9 or wider!)
- LinkedIn profile pic: Square (1:1)
- LinkedIn banner: Very wide and short
So when you upload a beautifully composed photo and part of it gets cut off—or it zooms in on your ear instead of your face—it’s probably because the platform is forcing it into a different shape.
Printing Woes: Why Your Image May Not Fit the Frame
Let’s say you try to print your favorite photo from your session as an 8x10. If the original was a 2:3 ratio, part of the image has to be cropped to make it fit that size.
If we don’t plan for that, you could lose details you wanted—like the edges of a dress, a hand on a shoulder, or the way someone was framed in the shot.
That’s why we always recommend thinking ahead about how and where you plan to print or post your images.
A Quick, Gentle Reminder About Cropping
We know it’s tempting to zoom, crop, or adjust the image on your own after your session—but please know that professional photographers typically don’t allow clients to crop or alter images.
Why? Because each image is carefully composed, edited, and saved in a way that keeps it looking its best. A random crop can unintentionally throw that off—and we want you to have the best version of your photos, always.
We’ve Got You Covered
At John Menzies Photography, we can deliver your final images in any format or ratio you need. Whether you’re printing large wall art, making profile pictures, or posting to a variety of social platforms, just let us know!
Even better: during your pre-shoot consultation, we’ll ask about how you plan to use your images. Want to post a headshot to LinkedIn and print a framed family portrait for grandma? We’ll help plan your shoot and deliver formats that fit each one perfectly.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)?
- Aspect ratio = the shape of your photo (and it matters!)
- Printing or posting in the wrong format can lead to cropping or awkward framing
- Let your photographer know how you plan to use your images
- Don’t crop photos yourself—ask us for what you need!
- We’re happy to deliver the right formats for any use—just say the word!
Got questions or want help planning how to use your portraits before your session? We're just an email or phone call away—and we're always happy to nerd out about your social media wall space or Instagram feed!