Digitalsilverimaging

The Fine Art of Printing in a Digital World

Search Results for: aspect ratio

Aspect Ratio & Print Size

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Aspect ration versus print size is an important issue to understand when printing your photographs. When digital cameras appeared on the scene they were designed to mimic the look and operation of analog cameras. Even today’s digital cameras have sensor sizes based on traditional analog film formats.

Why does aspect ratio matter when printing?

It matters because aspect ratio, the proportion of your camera’s sensor length vs. width, determines how your image fits on a piece of printing paper. If you choose a print size that does not match the aspect ratio of your camera image, then you will need to crop your image to fit on the print. Use the chart below to give you an Idea of the print size that matches your camera’s sensor or film size.

 

Aspect Ratio Versus Print Size

by

Aspect ration versus print size is an important issue to understand when printing your photographs. When digital cameras appeared on the scene they were designed to mimic the look and operation of analog cameras. Even today’s DSLR cameras have sensor sizes based on traditional analog film formats.

Why does aspect ratio matter when printing?

It matters because aspect ratio, the proportion of your camera’s sensor length vs. width, determines how your image fits on a piece of printing paper. If you choose a print size that does not match the aspect ratio of your camera image, then you will need to crop your image to fit on the print. Use the chart below to give you an Idea of the print size that matches your camera’s sensor or film size.

 

 

Direct-to-Print Service

Direct-to-Print Service (D2P): Museum Quality Fine Art Printing at Our Best Price

At Digital Silver Imaging, museum quality fine art printing shouldn’t cost more than it has to. Our Direct-to-Print service is designed to give you the same professionally produced silver gelatin prints and fine art inkjet/giclée prints that come off our meticulously maintained lab equipment — at a discounted price.

Free Shipping on orders over $125, shipped anywhere in the USA.
(Direct-to-Print only, not valid on orders with mounting, matting, or framing.)

Try our Prints at a Special Price

Try our Prints at a Special Price
We call this our Print Sample Promotion (PSP). The ideal way to select an inkjet paper or try our DSI Digital Silver Prints® A single image prrinted full frame, no cropping or adjustments made.

  • B&W: two 8.5×11 DSI Digital Silver Prints® on RC and Fiber Base paper
  • Color: three 8.5×11 prints on your choice of fine art papers, Hahnemühle, Canson, Moab
  • Receive a $25 Off coupon toward your next order
PSP

DSI Digital Silver Print®

DSI Digital Silver Print®
Real silver gelatin prints directly from your digital file. We use real Ilford black and white photo paper, fiber and RC.

  • Exceptional shadow detail
  • No color cast guaranteed
  • Low gloss baryta fiber paper
  • Or pearl surface RC paper
  • Finest black and white print available directly from a digital file
  • Mounting, matting and framing available
Digital Silver Print®

Inkjet Pigment Prints

Inkjet Pigment Prints
True museum quality inkjet/giclée prints on the world’s finest fine art papers. We are both a Hahnemühle Certified Studio and a Canson Infinity Certified Print Lab.

  • Matte, semi-gloss, and metallic surfaces available
  • Archival pigment inks
  • Papers from Hahnemühle, Canson, Moab
  • Prints up to 60 inches wide
  • Mounting, matting and framing available
Inkjet Pigment Prints

Value Prints

Value Prints

  • High quality small format prints
  • Affordable
  • Ideal for editing, proofing, and sharing
  • Epson wide gamut inks
  • Glossy or luster paper
  • iPhone format available
  • Fast online ordering
  • Volume pricing available
Value Prints

UV Protected Print with
Transparent Coating

UV Protected Print with Transparent Coating
Professionally applied UV non-aerosol protective coating adds a clear, transparent shield to your fine art inkjet print.

  • Ideal for prints displayed without glass
  • Protects against UV fading and surface
    abrasion
  • Ideal for unframed display and portfolios
  • Extends the life of your fine art print
  • Mounting, matting and framing available
UV Protected Prints

Framed Prints

Framed Prints
We handle all assembly — your framed print arrives ready to hang. Choose from our classic Value Frames or sleek Nielsen metal frames in a variety of finishes.

  • UV Conservation Clear Acrylic
  • 100% cotton rag mat board
  • Hanging hardware included
  • Frames with matted prints
  • Frames with spacers
  • Float frames
Framed Prints

Prints with Print Hangers

Prints with Print Hangers
An affordable and swapable way to display your photogrphy. Aluminum print hangers with a fine art quality print is popular sizes.

  • Lightweight and affordable
  • Saves space and shipping cost
  • Reusable, ideal for exhibitions
  • Pre-drilled and ready to hang
  • Your choice of fine art papers
Print Hangers

Aluma Mount

Aluma Mount
Fine art pigment prints mounted to archival aluminum composite material, UV spray coated and ready to hang. More affordable than traditional framing. Ready to display or add to a float frame

  • Rigid, lightweight, and museum quality
  • UV Protective Coating for longer life
  • More archival than prints on aluminum
  • A variety of papers availble

Aluma Mount

Aluminum Standouts

Aluminum Standouts
Sleek 3/4” board with a contemporary aluminum edge. Your print is flush mounted to the surface for a handsome display that won’t break the bank. Lightweight and strong they are crafted of a ridged surface with a foam core.

  • Comes ready to hang
  • Your choice of fine art papers
  • UV protective spray coating available
  • Ideal for displays of multiple images
Standouts

Prints with Mats

Matted Prints ( Framed)
Precision mats cut using archival museum board on our Professional CNC mat cutter. Every mat is cut perfectly..

  • 100% cotton rag mat board
  • 4-ply and 8-ply mat board available
  • Archival museum photo corners —
    no dry mounting adhesives
  • Acid-free foam core backing included
Matted Prints

Prints with Mounting

Mounted Prints
High quality small format prints at an affordable price. Superior to anything you’ll get from a pharmacy or big box store.

  • Ideal for editing, proofing, and sharing
  • Epson wide gamut inks
  • Glossy or luster paper
  • iPhone format available
  • Fast online ordering
  • Volume pricing available
Mounted Prints

Shipping

Free shipping on orders over $125, shipped anywhere in the USA. (Not valid on orders with mounting, matting, or framing.) Prints up to 11×14 ship USPS First Class — upgrade to Priority Mail or UPS Ground available. Prints over 11×14 ship UPS Ground Standard.

“DSI is top-shelf! I get all my gallery images printed there — black & white and color. Their black and white digital silver printing is like nothing else out there and their ink jet printing is the best I’ve seen. Can’t recommend them highly enough.” — David Horton

DIRECT TO PRINT5x78X108X1210X1011X1412X1816X1616X2016X2420X2420X3024X3630x4040x60
B&W DSI Digital Silver Print® Fiber Gloss$55$55$66$68$105$146$154$178$214$267$333See CustomSee CustomSee Custom
B&W Fiber 2nd Copy$49.50$49.50$59.40$61.20$94.50$132.30$134.10$167.40$214$251.10$313.30
B&W DSI Digital Silver Print® RC Pearl
$32$32$38$39$61$85$90$112$135$168$210$303$360$720
B&W RC 2nd Copy$28.80$28.80$34.20$35.10$54.90$76.50$81$100.80$121.50$151.20$189$272.70$280.80$561.80
Pigment Photo Inkjet Papers$22$22$26$27$42$59$64$74$89$111$138$199$216$432
Pigment Photo 2nd Copy$19.80$19.80$23.40$24.30$37.80$53.10$57.60$66.60$80.10$99.90$124.20$179.10$194.40$388.80
Pigment Fine Art Papers$28$28$33$34$53$74$80$93$112$140$174$251$264$528
Pigment Fine Art 2nd Copy$25.20$25.20$29.70$30.60$47.70$66.60$72$83.70$100.80$126$156.60$225.90$237.60$475.20

FAQ

Our Print Sample Promotion (Try our Printing at a Special Price) is the best way to find out. Upload one file and receive prints on multiple papers — silver gelatin fiber and RC for black and white, or three fine art inkjet papers of your choice for color — so you can evaluate the results in hand before committing to a larger order. Every PSP order includes a $25 coupon toward your next print.

A silver gelatin print is made through a photochemical process — light exposes silver halide crystals on the paper surface, which are then developed in chemistry. At DSI, we expose black and white Ilford silver gelatin photo paper using a photographic laser enlarger directly from your digital file. The result is a genuine black and white silver print — not an inkjet reproduction — with a completely neutral tone, proven archival permanence, and a rich deep tonal range.

A silver gelatin print is made through a photochemical process — light exposes silver halide crystals on the paper surface, which are then developed in chemistry. An inkjet (giclée) print is made by spraying microscopic dots of pigment ink onto the paper surface. Both can achieve museum quality results, but silver gelatin prints offer a unique tonal continuity and archival character that cannot be replicated by inkjet printing. DSI produces both, and our Print Sample Promotion is a great way to compare them side by side.

Fine art printing refers to the production of photographic and artist prints using archival materials and professional-grade processes designed for longevity, color accuracy, and exhibition quality. At DSI, fine art printing means silver gelatin prints on fiber base Ilford paper or inkjet pigment prints on papers from Hahnemühle, Canson Infinity, and Ilford — all produced on professionally maintained equipment by an experienced team.

Direct-to-Print orders require JPEG/JPG files. PSD, PNG, and TIFF files are not accepted for this service. We recommend calibrating your monitor before uploading, and cropping your image to the correct aspect ratio for your chosen print size. Because this service is automated, we do not make adjustments or reprints on Direct-to-Print orders.

Yes. Mounting, matting, and value framing are all available to add to your Direct-to-Print order. Note that orders that include these finishing services are not eligible for the free shipping offer.

DiBond® or ACM, Aluminum Composite Material, is a sandwich of two thin sheets of aluminum with a black or white lightweight composite core. Mounting hardware can be glued to the back of ACM. Best use of ACM mounting: large framed images, prints displayed without frames, float frames, Aluma Mounts.

Value Prints

DSI Value Prints

Value Prints

Professional Quality Small Format Prints at Budget-Friendly Prices

DSI’s new Value Print service is designed for photographers who need high-quality small format prints without paying custom printing prices. Value Prints are perfect for editing, evaluation, sharing with family and friends, or when you need better quality than mass market printing services. Value prints are higher quality than basic minilab prints or prints from a big box or pharmacy.

Who Value Prints Are For

Photographers Editing and Evaluating Their Work – Do you need multiple small format prints to review your images, select favorites, or build an exhibition? Value Prints give you quality prints at a great price that makes sense for high-volume evaluation of your work.

Creating a Mini-Portfolio – Many of the top photographers carry a mini portfolio in their camera bag. A mini-portfolio is a better way to show your work than the screen of your phone. At Value Print prices you can even make a print to give away with your contact info.

Sharing Photos with Others – Give friends, family, and clients prints they’ll actually appreciate and not break the bank. Value Prints deliver excellent color and quality that shows your work at its best.

Photographers Upgrading from Mass Market Services – Tired of disappointing prints from pharmacies and big box stores? Value Prints use professional-grade equipment and inks for consistently superior results.

Film Scans from Minilabs – Perfect for making high-quality prints from lower resolution scans you might receive from Fuji or Noritsu minilabs. Our Value prints are a step up from minilab prints.

Camera Phone Photo Prints – Ideal for printing images directly from your camera phone. Turn those great shots into a beautiful little print for yourself or a special friend. Special sizes for iPhone file formats.

Order Value Prints
Value Prints are available in a variety of small sizes including formats to match iPhone image format.

Value Prints are available in a variety of small sizes including formats to match iPhone image format.

Key Features

Professional Epson Technology – Value Prints use Epson UltraChrome® D6r-S Ink technology with wide color gamut for exceptional, consistent and vibrant color quality. Printed on Epson printers engineered with Advanced MicroPiezo® AMC Printhead Technology and AccuPhoto™ image processing technology.

High-Quality Epson Papers – Printed on professional Epson glossy or luster paper – not the basic photo paper used by mass market printers. These papers are abrasion resistant, water resistant and produce outstanding image quality with vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth tonal gradations.

Small Format Sizing – Available in 3×5″ up to 6×9″ formats – ideal sizes for evaluation, sharing, and portfolio work.

Volume Pricing Available – Automated service means you get multiple print pricing for larger volumes from multiple image files. That’s right you get the quantity discount on the total number of prints ordered.

Fast Turnaround – Quick processing for when you need prints fast without waiting for a price quote. Order through our online application.

Value Print Sizes1-3 Prints4-9 Prints10-24 Prints25-49 Prints50-99 Prints100-199 Prints200 + Prints
Value Print 3.75 x 5 iPhone Format$3.00$2.10$1.80$1.50$1.20$0.90$0.75
Value Print 4.5 x 6 iPhone Format$3.75$2.63$2.25$1.88$1.50$1.13$0.94
Value Print 4 x 6$3.50$2.45$2.10$1.75$1.40$1.05$0.88
Value Print 5 x 5$4.00$2.80$2.40$2.00$1.60$1.20$1.00
Value Print 5 x 7 $5.00$3.50$3.00$2.50$2.00$1.50$1.25
Value Print 5 x 7.5$5.25$3.68$3.15$2.63$2.10$1.58$1.31
Value Print 6 x 6$5.50$3.85$3.30$2.75$2.20$1.65$1.38
Value Print 6 x 8 iPhone Format$6.00$4.20$3.60$3.00$2.40$1.80$1.50
Value Print 6 x 9$6.50$4.55$3.90$3.25$2.60$1.95$1.63

FAQ

Value Prints are small-format prints—4×6″ and 5×7″—on glossy or luster paper, made with Epson UltraChrome® D6r-S ink technology for a wide color gamut. They are ideal when you need good quality with excellent color but do not require museum-quality output.

No. Value Prints are inexpensive but not low quality—they are made with wide-gamut Epson UltraChrome inks and managed by DSI’s printing professionals. The lower price reflects the small format and automated workflow, not a drop in standards.

They are great for making multiple small prints to edit and evaluate your work, sharing photographic prints with friends and family, and making higher-quality prints than mass-market services. They also work well for printing from lower-resolution scans, such as those from a Fuji or Noritsu mini lab.

Yes. Because the service is automated, Value Prints receive multiple-print pricing for larger volumes from multiple image files.

Value Print service requires JPEG/JPG files only—no .psd, .png, or .tiff. You should crop your images to the correct aspect ratio before uploading.

Framing Options

Frames for Every Application and Budget

At Digital Silver Imaging, we believe the best frame complements your image without stealing the show. This philosophy guides our curated selection—from handcrafted custom wood frames to modern print hangers—each designed to be classic, functional, and beautifully crafted.

Whether you need museum-quality framing or budget-friendly minimal presentation, DSI has the solution. We’ve created professional displays for major museum exhibitions, commercial galleries, pop-up shows, and residential installations—from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to your living room.

DSI specializes in solving unique presentation challenges including complicated window mat configurations, multi-image compositions, and mixed-media displays. Our team loves a challenge—contact us to discuss your specific framing needs.

When budget or timeline matters, our Value Frames deliver quality framing at accessible prices

Value Frames

When budget or timeline matters, our Value Frames deliver quality framing at accessible prices. Available in wood or metal (Nielsen) from 8×8 through 30×40, these made-to-order frames feature classic designs, professional assembly, hanging hardware included. Image – J. Sybylla Smith

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Our handcrafted custom wood frames are built in the Boston area using traditional joinery techniques and finest hardwoods including maple, walnut, and cherry.

Custom Wood Frames

Our handcrafted custom wood frames are built in the Boston area using traditional joinery techniques and finest hardwoods including maple, walnut, and cherry. These museum-quality frames feature beautiful construction with stout stretcher bars and perfect joinery. Image – Lisa Cueman Photography

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Custom-made in New England, our welded aluminum frames feature seamless corners that won’t separate or gap

Welded Aluminum Frames

Custom-made in New England, our welded aluminum frames feature seamless corners that won’t separate or gap—a sleek, classic look favored by museums and discerning artists. Available in 9 profiles with polished or brushed finishes, plus 18 powder-coated color options. Images – Michael “Nick” Nichols, Philadelphia Museum of Art

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Wood hangers feature magnetic systems for effortless print swapping in multiple finishes;
DSI aluminum hangers offer single-nail hanging with invisible clips. Sizes from 12” to 72” wide.

Print Hangers

DSI Print Hangers provide a modern alternative to traditional framing. Wood hangers feature magnetic systems for effortless print swapping in multiple finishes; aluminum hangers offer single-nail hanging with invisible clips. Sizes from 12” to 72” wide.
Images – Wood Print Hanger, Phillip Toledano | Aluminum Print Hanger, Herb Greene

Wooden Hangers Aluminum Hangers
Elizabeth Clark Libert’s Exhibition “Boy Crazy”

Who Can Print, Frame, Ship, and Install My Exhibition?

Digital Silver Imaging handles your complete exhibition from start to finish. Whether you need a handful of prints or an entire gallery installation, we collaborate with you at every step.

Need specialized mounting? We offer DIBOND, Aluminum, Gator Board, Aluma Mounts, and face mounting to acrylic.

DSI ships exhibitions worldwide. We’ve delivered to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chicago Art Institute, Paris Photo, and museums internationally. Your work arrives safely and on time.

For projects of 10 pieces or more, we offer a 10% discount on printing and framing services. Installation coordination is also available. Contact us to discuss your exhibition. We’re here to help bring your vision to life. Image – Elizabeth Clark Libert’s Exhibition “Boy Crazy”

Framing FAQs

If you know where your framed photograph will hang, measure the space before deciding on frame size. Frame size depends on your print dimensions, whether a mat will be used, and the camera’s aspect ratio – contact us to discuss the best size for your specific image.

Mats provide visual breathing room and archival protection for your photograph, typical mat widths are between 2.5 to 4 inches using our 100% cotton rag mat board. White mats have a universal appeal and are preferred if not required by galleries and museums.

UV Conservation Clear Acrylic is our standard glazing because it’s lighter than glass, blocks 97% of harmful UV rays, and won’t shatter, while glass is available for local pick up only. Acrylic is also lighter and if it happens to break it tends not to shatter and damage your print.

We believe that a frame should complement an image, not steal the show – our staff is happy to assist in selecting the frame that will highlight your artwork and convey your visual aesthetic. Pick your frame style with location in mind, matching location style and color is a good rule to follow.

DSI uses archival materials including 100% cotton rag mat board, acid-free backing, and UV-blocking glazing that blocks 97% of UV energy to protect against fading and yellowing. Select fine art papers for your print as they have the longest archival life.

Glossary of terms used on this site

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DSI Digital Silver Prints® Fiber

DSI Digital Silver Prints® Fiber are premium black and white prints on double weight silver gelatin Ilford fiber base photo paper (310gsm). Exposed with light from digital files, processed in photographic chemistry, archivally washed, air dried, and flattened. Features baryta coating on an archival alpha cellulose base and superior silver content for exceptional tonal range and archival permanence.

DSI Digital Silver Prints® RC

DSI Digital Silver Prints® RC are Black and white prints on Ilford RC (Resin Coated) Pearl surface paper (190gsm). Medium weight paper with neutral to cool image tone. Processed in liquid chemistry to archival standards. Lays perfectly flat with beautiful neutral black, white, and gray tones.

Silver Gelatin Printing

Traditional photographic printing method using light-sensitive silver halide crystals in an emulsion on paper. When exposed to light and chemically processed, creates a permanent black and white image composed of metallic silver particles. Silver gelatin prints are known for exceptional archival permanence and continuous tone quality.

Giclée Printing

French term meaning “splash” or “squirt.” Giclée commonly refers to high-quality inkjet printing process using archival pigment inks on fine art papers. Used interchangeably with “inkjet printing” or “fine art inkjet printing.” DSI produces museum quality giclée prints up to 60 inches wide.

Museum Quality Prints

Professional-grade prints meeting the highest standards for color accuracy, archival permanence, and presentation. Produced using calibrated equipment, archival materials, and skilled craftsmanship suitable for gallery exhibitions, museum collections, and fine art portfolios.

Archival Printing

Printing process using materials and methods designed for maximum longevity and image stability. Includes acid-free papers, lightfast pigment inks or stable silver gelatin processes, proper chemical processing, and archival washing techniques.

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