I’ve noticed in discussions that there are some who strongly prefer horizontal orientation in their photography. This was brought to mind by these two recent comments in another RFF thread about MF SLRs, but I think the issue goes beyond that camera type:
What is your thinking about photo orientation; do you prefer horizontals? Strongly? Do you find it uncomfortable to turn the camera for the other orientation? Some have said they like the square format so as to choose the orientation later, and/or to avoid turning the camera.
I recall previous discussions about 6x4.5 RF cameras, where some are dismayed to discover these (e.g. Fuji, Bronica) normally shoot vertical orientation, and this can be a deal-killer. Just wouldn’t want such a camera!
Some modern dSLRs have battery grips with additional controls to make vertical shots more comfortable. Generally, it does seem otherwise that it’s somewhat awkward to use a camera turned 90 degrees from its “normal” orientation. Is this awkwardness a major issue, or a minor matter for you?
Are there artistic/aesthetic reasons for preferring to view horizontal artworks? Or doesn’t it matter?
What is your thinking about photo orientation; do you prefer horizontals? Strongly? Do you find it uncomfortable to turn the camera for the other orientation? Some have said they like the square format so as to choose the orientation later, and/or to avoid turning the camera.
I recall previous discussions about 6x4.5 RF cameras, where some are dismayed to discover these (e.g. Fuji, Bronica) normally shoot vertical orientation, and this can be a deal-killer. Just wouldn’t want such a camera!
Some modern dSLRs have battery grips with additional controls to make vertical shots more comfortable. Generally, it does seem otherwise that it’s somewhat awkward to use a camera turned 90 degrees from its “normal” orientation. Is this awkwardness a major issue, or a minor matter for you?
Are there artistic/aesthetic reasons for preferring to view horizontal artworks? Or doesn’t it matter?
bgb
Well-known
I shoot mostly in horizontal as vertical is just a little uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time ... guess the best answer would be a 6x6
I like my images in vertical or horizontal it's just holding the camera that gets to be a pain ... especially a heavy SLR the XA is no big deal of course
Maybe Mamiya got it right all those years ago with the rotating back 6x7
I like my images in vertical or horizontal it's just holding the camera that gets to be a pain ... especially a heavy SLR the XA is no big deal of course
Maybe Mamiya got it right all those years ago with the rotating back 6x7
ChrisN
Striving
I don't have any philosophical preference, but I've found many of my favourite photos are in the vertical orientation - I seem to do better compositions in that format. That, and the fact that the 645 ratio is near-ideal for 8x10 printing makes the GA645 a good fit with me!
On the SLR/battery grip - I have one for the Pentax K20D, but never use it! I find I prefer the right-hand-over-the-top grip.
On the SLR/battery grip - I have one for the Pentax K20D, but never use it! I find I prefer the right-hand-over-the-top grip.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
My choices are 100% artistic / aesthetic. I can hold a camera either way. In fact, my choice of aspect ratios is also totally artistic / aesthetic. I am certainly not constrained for the aspect ratio of the film.
jtzordon
clicking away
I prefer horizontal for 35mm and vertical for 645. Mostly because that's the natural orientations for the cameras I use for these two formats. For 6x6 I shoot both at the same time.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
I don't have any rule to myself, but when I look at the pictures I like, vertical shots are much dominant, at least for 135 (35mm) format. I'll find out which I like more when I start using 6x7. I'm predicting it's going to be vertical again.
jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
I feel the same. I find that I prefer the vertical presentation over the horizontal, and often find myself shooting vertically. When I first started to shoot 6X6, I discovered that I was turning the camera when I went to shoot a vertical photo! I quickly realized this after I developed my first roll...
Krzys
Well-known
I personally like,
Vertical for 4x5 and 6x7
Horizontal for 35mm, 6x9, 6x8 and 6x4.5
Vertical for 4x5 and 6x7
Horizontal for 35mm, 6x9, 6x8 and 6x4.5
AusDLK
Famous Photographer
I have shot almost exclusively horizontal for over a year.
Why?
For the simple reason that they present SO much better using the medium that 99% of my viewers will see my pictures -- on a computer screen.
Why?
For the simple reason that they present SO much better using the medium that 99% of my viewers will see my pictures -- on a computer screen.
oftheherd
Veteran
Quite the same for me. But I probably take more horizontal than otherwise. I think it reflects the way we see.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
Probably one's preference of focal length also factors into v/h decision as well? I'm a 50mm guy and much more liking my vertical shots. And I'm judging it for prints in mind.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Subconsciously, the camera does influence the choice - on natively vertical cameras (half formats, GA645zi, as well as all rotating back ones in portrait setting) I shoot far more vertical than on natively horizontal ones.
martin s
Well-known
Square feels the most natural to me. I usually don't do verticals and get criticized for that frequently, sometimes - especially with closeup portraits - the usually empty space on the left and right isn't used efficiently.
martin
martin
Neare
Well-known
I shoot whatever feels best for what I'm taking. Though I find focusing horizontally far easier than vertically most of the time. So I do often focus first, then rotate.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
I'm the same. I've been noticing that with the Goldi (16 on 127) I average almost 50% vertical shots, which is way more than in 35mm. Love the aspect ratio, too.
For reasons of film choice and cost, I'm planning to get a Duo 620 or maybe a Zenobia instead. I love that little nudge the camera's native orientation gives me.
Square format never feels right for me.
I agree... One may already have an orientation in mind for the subject. But if not, then the native orientation of the camera is effectively "suggested", and only if it doesn't work will the camera then be rotated.
Over all, I shoot about half verticals, but a bit more than that with a vertical-orientation camera and perhaps a bit less with a horizontal-orientation camera.
DNG
Film Friendly
Have to agree here, I too am not bound by aspect ratio, or V or H orientation. I try to get what I need on film for the final image editing. I almost never use any aspect ratio when cropping, unless it is for a friend who will print a 4x6 or 8x10.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
No particular preference. For portraits with 35 or FF digital, I usually shoot vertical (fill the frame was drilled into my head early on). For other things, just what works for the composition.