Filling Horizontal space
Stock photographers are always reminded to shoot both verticals and horizontals of their subjects because you never know which is going to fit an editors needs better. Are they looking for cover material better suited to a vertical, or a two-page spread better suited to a horizontal. It makes me think about how a simple matter of orientation can dictate a photograph’s usefulness for a specified purpose. A spectacular horizontal format image is basically useless to someone needing a vertical one.
I find that it can be a rare circumstance that a subject works equally as well in both formats. More often the geometry of the subject and other elements in the scene dictate which frame orientation works better for it. In this example I shot up at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, I find both ways to work equally as well. The version someone picks for a print or stock image may depend on if they have a horizontal wall space to fill, or a vertical one. Quite often, the orientation of the image may even take precedent in importance over the actual image itself. So it is a big plus to find a subject that can work both ways.
Verticals - a natural fit for covers
I haven’t always shot both formats – and even in cases today I don’t because it looks awkward in one versus the other. I know one thing is guaranteed though – if I only shoot a horizontal – I know for sure someday someone will ask me if I have a vertical of that same shot. So sometimes I have to overcome my artistic stubbornness to think about providing flexibility for potential uses.
Nice info and food for thought Mark, in my case I can usually never think that far ahead 😉
You make a good point. One I didn’t really consider, although I do often find myself taking both orientations for many photos though.
Good point & one I hadn’t really considered!
Beautiful images, and good point about the orientation options too.
This is an interesting topic. I think about this when out shooting: Some things, like trees, individuals, etc lend themselves more to a vertical format. As these are some of my favorite subjects, I found that I shot vertical most of the time. However, as I am also quite enamored of bodies of water, those I will shot horizontal 95% of the time. It just seems right. I guess that if you are shooting for the cover of a magazine, it’d better be vertical with some space at the top and sides for type. If you are doing it for yourself, perhaps it doesn’t matter so much.