“The ropes that bind you are your beliefs and preconceptions of how life is. This is true for every level of you existence. You are more alive when you are given fully to whatever you are faced with than when you try to maintain a safe distance from it…
…Nothing can be more life-changing than an escape from your own preconceptions.”
– Ten Poems to Change Your Life, Roger Housden
A few days ago I mentioned in a post I liked an image I’d cropped at an unusual 3:1 ratio for the home page slider more than the original photo, the one I posted. It struck me making that statement I shouldn’t let myself be limited by arbitrary standards or conventions, to the point of posting a version of an image I liked less than a more “unconventional” version.
So, here’s another image I like at 3:1.
In finding the full potential and impact of an image for “artistic purposes” there should be no reasonable boundaries — go with what works, find what feels right and pursue it. Have fun!
That’s a very beautiful photograph! I love the light and details of the rocks and how they stand in contrast to the beautifully smooth water. I really like the 3:1 ratio, it feels like a window that gives a glimpse into another world.
Martina, thanks. I wonder if the 3:1 ration is a bit like looking through a key hole…a limited view giving a sense of something a little forbidden and exciting. Perhaps!
I like the smooth and very rapid look of the flow. I like the long format. I agree that we should not be bound by conventional shapes dictated by camera design.
Thanks, Don. We agree!
Wise words Earl. Arbitrary standards are just that — arbitrary. They’re always worth questioning. A fine piece of work, fluidity contrasted with solidity, and the 3:1 works very well.
PJ, thanks, I appreciate it. By the way…have you got a good California tan yet? ;-)
I abandoned conventional sizes when I learned to cut my own mats for frames. I no longer cut mats but the lesson I learned has helped me to this day. It’s the end result that counts. Nice one, Earl.
Ken,
Most of the on-line frame shops now offer custom frames and matting in any size you specify so there’s little reason to “stay with-in the lines” any longer. Thanks-you!
Earl,
Go with what works, and this works well. I love the effect of the water and warm colors.
Alan
Hi Alan, thank you. Yes, there’s a nice contrast between the swiftly moving cool water and the stable warm rocks.
The contrasts in this are outstanding, but all the effects are definitely enhanced by the 3:1 ratio. It is interesting that we so easily get locked into conventions that someone else has dictated to us.
Anita, thank-you, glad you enjoyed this image and 3:1 aspect combination. Often we dictate or accept conventions for/to ourselves — those are the ones I want to break down. ;-)
Unconventional crops are great, and I think a lot of photos work better when you let the picture dictate the aspect ratio, rather than the camera or some ‘agreed’ set of normal ratios. Great shot, and I think this crop works well.
JP, I absolutely agree — choose the crop aspect ratio based upon the photo not by convention or preconceptions. Thanks!
While I don’t disagree with what you’ve said here, I think we should remember that “conventional” is most often simply a byproduct of “what works”. In this case, “conventional” aspect ratios are simply the ones that seem to work the best, most of the time, in most situations. Panoramic aspect ratios fall into that group, I think. While it may be unusual for us as individuals to start thinking of or seeing compositions as panoramas, it hardly qualifies as “unconventional”.
And, by the way, does anyone really “dictate” convention, other than ourselves, that is?
Now, if you want to be truly unconventional, try the reverse aspect ratio (1:3). You know, tall and skinny. I personally don’t think it will work very well, but it will certainly be different!
Paul, in many cases “conventional” began as “what works” for manufacturers of film and cameras based upon technology and manufacturing capabilities at the time — now considerations for “standards” probably also included studies on what aspect ratio is most pleasing to the eye. Initially it may even have been based somewhat upon what conventional painter canvas aspect ratios were at the time which would bring it back to “what works.”
I’m sure you realize I’m not advocating that “conventional” is bad because it’s conventional. But I know from my own experience it’s easy to become comfortable inside those boxes, even if they are of our own creation.
For sure those ropes that bind may be velvet or silk and self tied…I sometimes need practice to be able to slip the knot with my imagination a little easier.
Now, I could imagine a very wide lens, a tall pine tree (no lower limbs) and an aspect ratio of 1:3 possibly working well. Certainly not one you’d use every day — different for sure. :-)
Wow, Earl! That certainly works well. I like the aspect ratio. This, it seems, especially given the subject, provides for a lot of horizontal movement. Excellent!
Beautiful movement and superb colors !