Flowing
Going with what works!

“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!

19 Comments
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Martina Egli
13 years ago

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.

Don
Don
13 years ago

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.

pj
pj
13 years ago

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.

Ken Bello
13 years ago

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.

Alan M. Collopy
13 years ago

Earl,

Go with what works, and this works well. I love the effect of the water and warm colors.

Alan

Anita Jesse
13 years ago

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.

Journey Photographic
13 years ago

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.

Paul Maxim
Paul Maxim
13 years ago

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
13 years ago

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!

Laurent
13 years ago

Beautiful movement and superb colors !