SIDEBAR

Don’t Forget Portrait Format!

6 comments
Aug 31 2015

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

Landscape format

Portrait format

Portrait format

    • Nick Jenkins 

      So the wrong answer 🙂 haha
      Seriously, all I am doing is planting a little ‘thought seed’ in your minds – for you to try. This will vary very much from one subject/composition to another and, as I always say, if YOU are happy with your composition then that is good enough. I can help, suggest, cajole. yell, but in the end it is YOUR photo.

  2. Gerald Harbour 

    Hi Nick, If you will allow your post to be supported by a “non-landscale” example I used one from my recent Dartmoor trip in the latest club ‘assignment’ exercise on ‘wildlife’. As you explain, a landscape format image may have material to left and right that does not add much but by going to a square format in the case I mention I was able to include an example of the typical Dartmoor sky-line behind the main subject just in case there weren’t enough clues there already (subject – Dartmoor ponies)!
    Regards, Gerald
    PS Was planning to show you but can’t see how to attach an image in this medium.

  3. Barbara Fleming 

    Yes Nick – I also agree with you. I discovered it when we were in West Wales, you can get the subject to look better in its surroundings, ie the sky , the cliffs, the sea and the beach,much more interesting than all beach and just the sea The only reason I don’t do these very often is because my camera does not like being on its side on my tripod – not a very good reason is it?

  5. Alan 

    I was most interested in this comment in your most recent Newsletter Nick: 1. Flower photography – to me – always looks at its best when shot on an overcast day – be it close up or a garden/meadow … etc.

    My findings are similar to yours in that I find results tend to be very hit or miss in bright sunlight when photographing flowers. I would add that in very bright direct sun I often deliberately cast a shadow on a flower which results in a much better image.

    Regards Alan

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