Kind of a Noobish Question

[Dionysus]

but is there any way to know when you crop a picture in pp if its going to fit into the traditional print sizes, without much cropping needed by the buyer?

Ive had some instances where customers BARELY were able to crop without touching the main subject. I crop things for effect and balance, but if the customers have to crop even more at purchase, it kind of kills some pictures.

[Cygnus Studios]

but is there any way to know when you crop a picture in pp if its going to fit into the traditional print sizes, without much cropping needed by the buyer?

Really depends on what you consider traditional.

If you want the 4x5, 8x10, 16x20 sequence use 3552x2832 pixels. No cropping.

[pickerbw]

but is there any way to know when you crop a picture in pp if its going to fit into the traditional print sizes, without much cropping needed by the buyer?

Just make sure the dimensions of your crop have the same ratio as the intended print size and you'll be fine.

[zoomer]

In photoshop you can put in the crop ratio 4x6 8x10 whatever.

Then when you resize it will give you a box you can drag around till it looks ok to you.

If you don't know what size they are going to order...typically on most websites they give the customer a preview option so they can see at the size they order what the crop will look like.

[run_kmc]

All my photos are in a 4:3 ratio (can anyone guess what brand I shoot? :D ), and I find that except for 4x6, very little cropping is needed for most popular sizes.

[Cygnus Studios]

All my photos are in a 4:3 ratio (can anyone guess what brand I shoot? :D )

Brand, there are a couple that I know off the top of my head that shoot 4:3, not including video cameras. Since you added the smiley, my guess would be a Hasselblad...

[run_kmc]

Since you added the smiley, my guess would be a Hasselblad...

You give me too much credit. :D

No, I shoot the brand that literally puts "Four Thirds" in the title of everything.. Olympus. :D