During my workshops/1:1’s etc I habitually remind clients not to forget trying an upright or portrait version of what they are photographing.
Without wishing to replace aesthetic values with commercialism, it is a fact that of all the stock photos I have sold repro rights in, the portrait photos are ahead in the order of 60% to 40%.
That apart, sometimes the portrait format can really strengthen a photo (oh, ok then, image!) by concentrating the viewers eye on the specifics, especially if, off to the sides, are just trees, lake, sandy beach or nothing really strong enough to make the point of, or reason for, the photo in the first place. I believe that this format needs a strong foreground however, perhaps more so than a landscape? The eye needs to be guided into and up, seeing all the the photographer saw and recorded.
So remember, next time you are out and about give it a try! It works for me.
The example below is for discussion! To me the portrait is the stronger as more emphasis is given to the boat. You may beg to differ, but at least it is worth a go.
Boat at The Parrog north Pembrokeshire
Landscape format
Portrait format
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