the problem with 3:2

the problem with 3:2, originally uploaded by jamesburden.

So many photos are shot at the standard 3:2 ratio (because of the historical precedence of 35mm photography). The problem with 3:2 is that it often doesn’t do the subject justice. It either includes unnecessary space or excludes important space. And for no reason other than ‘that’s the way it’s always been’.

I have a weakness for square photos – there’s something about a square photo that strips away any focus on the aspect ratio and allows the subject to dominate.

However, my personal favourite is the 16x7 panoramic format (as above). It has lush amounts of space – and actually seems to replicate pretty closely what we often see. This shot above was taken just before Christmas when I was on my way to work. The light and themist was so amazing, that after getting half way to work I had to turn round and go home to get my camera.

Two things I've learnt in photography over the past week:
1 - Always take your camera with you
2 - Always ask whether 3:2 actually works for the image you're creating.