What Size Should You Print Your Photos?

If you’re trying to figure out what size to print your photos for your home, here’s the simple answer: larger prints almost always look better on walls. Sizes like 16x24, 20x30, or larger are what actually fill a wall and create impact, while smaller prints like 5x7 and 8x10 are better suited for tabletop frames, not wall displays.

The tricky part? Not all print sizes are shaped the same - and choosing the wrong one can lead to parts of your image being cropped out. That’s where things can start to look a little… off.

If you’ve ever printed a photo and thought, “Wait… why does this look different?” - you’re not imagining it. Most images are taken in a 2:3 ratio (like 4x6 or 8x12). But many popular print sizes, like 5x7 and 8x10, don’t match that shape. That means when you print them, parts of your image can get cut off - sometimes important little details.

Here’s the quick answer:

• Want the full image exactly as it was taken? Choose 4x6, 8x12, 16x24, or 20x30

• Printing 5x7 or 8x10? Just know parts of your photo may be trimmed to make it fit

If you’d like to see how different sizes look in real images, keep scrolling - I’ll show you exactly what happens and how to choose the best option for your space.

If you’re planning to display your images on the wall, you can also see examples throughout my work as an Austin newborn photographer.

Most images from your session are delivered in a standard 2:3 ratio, which works perfectly for sizes like 4x6, 8x12, and 16x24.

But when you choose a different shape - like 5x7 or 8x10 - the image has to be adjusted to fit, which is where parts of the photo may get cut off.

Here’s what a full image looks like without any cropping:

Your original 2:3 image

5x7 crop - some of the image is trimmed

8x10 crop - more of the image is trimmed

When I photograph your session, I leave a little extra space around the edges so your images can be printed in different sizes without cutting off your baby.

That said, some print sizes - like 8×10 - can still feel a bit tight and crop out small details that help tell the full story.

Here’s an example of how an 8x10 crop can feel a little too close compared to the original image:

8x10 print (tighter crop that can make the image feel more cramped)

Some specialty images - like my square “in-the-box” collages - are designed differently and are best printed as squares. I’ll always guide you on the best size for those.

Choosing the right print size can completely change how your images feel on your walls. If you’re not sure what to order, just reach out—I’m always happy to help you figure out what will look best in your space.