Square format, and the feelings it create.

[bluez]

First, when i look at a square format it seems like the square is slightly taller than it’s wide. I have to look a long time to be sure it really is square.

the square format creates a vintage / retro type of feeling.

It works great for Portraits, however if the subject is placed to the right side of the image has an extra pleasant calming effect.

I also think it works geat for simple scenery, like a tree and the moon, two people next to each other, a bowle of fruit, but with more complex scenery, like a sports game, complex arcitecture, it is unpleasant..

 

[Auer]

It feels square

 

[awty]

It feels square

And boxy.
Creates an intimate view with the subject, can be claustrophobic or like seeing with only one eye open.
Too often it is used with the subject centred.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've been slowly appreciating the square over the years. I like how one roll of negs fits on my scanner...

 

[Vaughn]

But one can do such fun things with them!

Pt/pd print

 

[DonW]

Square feel more natural to me when composing. Things seem more complete and powerful.

 

[Auer]

After looking at a square image I have to stare at a rectangle for a while to get my bloodpressure down.

 

[Alder Statesman]

I read posts like this and sorely miss my long gone Yashica Mat 124G.

Time to check out eBay.

 

[mshchem]

Square is cool.

 

[btaylor]

But one can do such fun things with them!

Pt/pd print

Oh man, that brings back some memories. The Doggie Diner heads. I have fond memories of visiting those establishments with my dad. I thought it was a real treat- after a thrilling trip to Pastime Hardware (they had everything under the sun!) on San Pablo Ave

 

[warden]

I can’t think of a format that I don’t like, actually. But yeah, square is cool.

 

[Dismayed]

Not a fan. Rectangles for me!

 

[bdial]

All squares are rectangles too.

I like the versatility of square.

 

[Frank53]

Rectangles are nothing but cut off squares.

 

[guangong]

The square as a compositional frame is static, and less dynamic than a rectangle. That does not mean that a square frame isn’t the best choice for a given subject. Still, the dynamics of picture composition depend on the relationship of the subject with the frame. The beauty of the square film frame of Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Super Ikonta B, etc is that one can compose a rectangular picture within a square, without changing ones grip of the camera. Nonetheless, there is still enough room to later adjust the frame. Holding my 67 and 69 cameras can be awkward if not shooting a horizontal rectangle. 35mm leaves even less choice in changing composition. With Minox 8x11 no wiggle room.
Why anyone would deliberately restrict themselves to a static square frame seems strange.

 

[radiant]

Square makes me feel free. Rectangles are more harder to compose (especially 6x7).

 

[JensH]

Hi,

I like squares, 6x6cm for the way it focusses the viewer on a subject in a relaxed way.
Not ideal for wide landscapes...
I don't find it hard to compose, the only format being a bit difficult is a circular one, like from my vintage microscope camera.

Best
Jens

 

[Valerie]

I love the square format! It was when I got a Rollei that my compositions really took off. It feels so natural and easy.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I too love squares. If I'm shooting rectangles, I prefer the more square-ish proportions of 8x10/4x5 and 6.5x8.5 than 6x4.5 or 6x9/2x3. Oddly enough, I really like 6x12 as another proportion. It's one reason why I'm not a big fan of 35mm cameras - the aspect ratio is just too wide.

 

[removed account4]

I think both my first cameras were square format, its hard to get it out of your system when you was weened on it.

 

[faberryman]

Some square images are good; some square images are bad. It has nothing to do with the format and everything to do with the photographer, the Greeks notwithstanding.

 

[Auer]

If there was a square format digital camera no one would buy it.

 

[faberryman]

If there was a square format digital camera no one would buy it.

I do not know how prevalent the feature is, but I am able to choose a 1:1 aspect ratio on my digital camera.

 

[warden]

Square makes me feel free. Rectangles are more harder to compose (especially 6x7).

My greatest composing struggles come with 6x7, and if I paid attention to how many times I end up cropping my 6x7s to 6x6 I'd probably just stick with square cameras. I like looking through 6x7 viewfinders, but making the compositions work is a challenge!

 

[Auer]

I do not know how prevalent the feature is, but I am able to choose a 1:1 aspect ratio on my digital camera.

I wasnt specific enough I guess.