Aspect ratio

Aspect ratios are a crucial consideration in photo composition, influencing how your photos appear and convey their message on different devices. The choice of aspect ratio depends on both the content of the photo and personal preference.

For instance, if you want your photo to look great on vertical screens, opting for a taller aspect ratio is more suitable. For creating a cinematic atmosphere, a wider aspect ratio similar to movie formats works best. In cases where photos belong to a series, maintaining a consistent aspect ratio can enhance visual coherence. Some photographers prefer sticking to a particular aspect ratio regardless of the subject matter.

Here, we focus on the rationale behind choosing different aspect ratios based on the content of the photo. Generally, I recommend using standard aspect ratios(1:1, 4:3, 16:9, etc.) rather than free-form ratios for better consistency and visual appeal.

Examples of Aspect Ratio Selection

• Square Aspect Ratio (1:1):
  This photo emphasizes texture and color, making the square aspect ratio a clean and organized choice.

  

• Wide Aspect Ratio:
  To capture the vastness of the sea, this photo naturally opts for a wider aspect ratio.

  

• Even Wider Aspect Ratio:
  Without considering the snowy foreground, this photo could benefit from an even wider ratio to better convey the breadth of the sea.

  

• Panoramic Aspect Ratio:
  To highlight the vertical relationship between dense skyscrapers behind the main subject, this photo uses a panoramic aspect ratio.