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Let's talk about Aspects...

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Ian Wilson is off-line
23 June 2012 05:05
Ian_Wilson
Photographer
Ian_Wilson
Location
United Kingdom
Greater Manchester
St Helens

Well Aspect Ratios.

When I started out I used to crop to any size or aspect ratio that I thought made the shot better (usually cropping out stuff that should not have been in the shot).

I then got into the idea that if I was to improve composition I needed to compose in camera (rather than after the event) and stick with the standard aspect ratio and orientation I took the shot.

I know that these are 2 extremes, and looking through some very good ports on here it was clear that better photographers choose different aspect ratios for different shots. I have found the standard 3x2 ratio a bit stifling and would be interested to hear how others achieve the right balance.

I am good at dispensing sound advice...but it's 99% sound and 1% advice


Paul Hodson is onlineSilver Member
23 June 2012 05:19
mph
Photographer
mph
Location
United Kingdom
Cheshire
Crewe

I tend to stick to the camera ratio - but otherwise crop to a 5x4 ratio (often because if I use the centre focus spot on a face it works out better that way .

If really desperate - crop to suit!
Amateur - happy to do TF with models with potential and enthusiasm. Website: www.mphodson.co.uk


Nick Atkins is off-lineGold Member
23 June 2012 05:44
NATKINS
Photographer
NATKINS
Location
United Kingdom
Oxfordshire


Mostly either 7:5 or 1:1

Nick
I've taken a vow of poverty - if you really want to annoy me, send money.


Steven Jardine is off-linePlatinum Member
23 June 2012 06:01
RedChecker
Photographer
RedChecker
Location
United Kingdom
Buckinghamshire
Stoke Mandeville

Cinemascope (2.35:1) can work well:





Otherwise 4:3 is what I use (same as cameras)
If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit


Paul Hodson is onlineSilver Member
23 June 2012 06:27
mph
Photographer
mph
Location
United Kingdom
Cheshire
Crewe

Quote from RedChecker

Otherwise 4:3 is what I use (same as cameras)



Which camera is that?
Amateur - happy to do TF with models with potential and enthusiasm. Website: www.mphodson.co.uk


Lifescapes is off-lineSilver Member
23 June 2012 06:27
Lifescapes
Photographer
Lifescapes
Location
United Kingdom
Cumbria
Kendal, Lancaster

I quite like 16:9 seems to work for a lot of my images and  often compose with this mind.

"It's very difficult to remain calm when you're listening to someone talk complete bollocks." Jeremy Paxman


Steven Jardine is off-linePlatinum Member
23 June 2012 06:32
RedChecker
Photographer
RedChecker
Location
United Kingdom
Buckinghamshire
Stoke Mandeville

Quote from mph
Which camera is that?



Ooops, I meant 3:2 
If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit


Paul Hodson is onlineSilver Member
23 June 2012 06:37
mph
Photographer
mph
Location
United Kingdom
Cheshire
Crewe

Quote from RedChecker
Ooops, I meant 3:2 



Own up Red - you are using a P&S compact!  surprise
Amateur - happy to do TF with models with potential and enthusiasm. Website: www.mphodson.co.uk


gerryquiff is off-lineSilver Member
23 June 2012 07:02
gerryquiff
Photographer
gerryquiff
Location
United Kingdom
Lanarkshire
Bonnie Scotland

I shoot 3:2. It's what I've set my camera to.
I got a hot rod ford, and a two dollar bill; And I know a spot right over the hill. Theres soda pop and the dancings free So if you wanna have fun, come along with me.


Skymouse is off-lineGold Member
23 June 2012 07:21
skymouse
Photographer
skymouse
Location
United Kingdom
London
London

Quote from Ian_Wilson
Well Aspect Ratios. When I started out I used to crop to any size or aspect ratio that I thought made the shot better (usually cropping out stuff that should not have been in the shot). I then got into the idea that if I was to improve composition I needed to compose in camera (rather than after the event) and stick with the standard aspect ratio and orientation I took the shot. I know that these are 2 extremes, and looking through some very good ports on here it was clear that better photographers choose different aspect ratios for different shots. I have found the standard 3x2 ratio a bit stifling and would be interested to hear how others achieve the right balance.



For stills, I find the 3:2 DAR of my camera is a reasonable overall compromise. There are a few shots where a squarer display would make more sense, but I've learnt to live with this. In any event, my stuff is used for pay sites and there is no editing stage for indidual pics.

For video, there are befefits in sticking with conventional DARs. Usually this is going to be 16:9 (though this is in fact wastefully wide and the older 4:3 DAR was superior).

In both cases. I mostly stick with several specific framings which work well for my subject matter and the DAR involved.

"Start every day with a smile and get it over with." — W.C. Fields.



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