Aspect Ratio and Composition

[Roger Hicks]

Regardless of how you feel about cropping, the question was relating to types of composition that you feel work well for a given aspect ratio. Why do you choose one format's aspect ratio over another format for a given image?

Sorry, it still seem backwards to me: the picture comes after the format, not the format after the picture. I don't choose 'one format's aspect ratio over another format for a given image' because there is no given image: there's only what I compose in the space available.

My logic tends to be:

1: Bigger format = better technical quality but slower in use

2: Camera (not format) most suitable for job, e.g. speed of operation, movements, lenses available...

3: Intended use of pic, e.g. magazine, exhibition, on line...

4: General preference of format: 5x7 inch a nicer shape than 4x5 inch

Of course there are times when I want to shoot panoramas but when I do there are lots of options. the widest non-pinhole format I have is 6x12cm but I can also electronically stitch smaller formats (I've done it mechanically, too, with 35mm); use a split film format (e.g. 2x 2x5 inch on 4x5 inch film) or just crop e.g. 6x9.

Cheers,

R.

 

[cz23]

For landscapes and urban scapes I prefer square. I like the tranquility and stability it brings to a more contemplative approach and subject matter.

For street I prefer 3:2, which to me suits the wider sweep and dynamism of street life.

I'm not fond of 3:2 verticals, so I usually crop portraits and other verticals to 5:4 or 4:3.

 

[I.G.I.]

Epson V700 allows you to scan it in one.

I guess with certain 35mm scanners you could scan it in two halves and stitch back together.

+1 Terrific idea, thanks!

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Thanks for reply. So, is the LS-8000 the only 35 mm ticket to panorama_scan_land?

The 9000ED does too, I forgot it; it uses the same neg carriers as the 8000 (9000 is newer, replaced the 8000 in Nikon's line). I think some flatbeds can, with lower quality, and I think Imacon scanners can also do xpan negs, but those are expensive machines!

 

[msbarnes]

interesting question.

I'm in the no-crop camp, and so I shoot with whatever ratio is given. In my photography, I do not find that one ratio is more suitable than any other, overall.

I shoot mostly square for portraits, not because it is more suitable but because of the cameras (Rolleiflex). One thing that I like about square is the consistency. I like seeing a series of images with the same aspect/orientation (but that is probably as irrational as my choice to not crop).