Bildformate - Photoclub - Fotocommunity Alternative und Fotoforum

25.09.2022, 11:47 #1

Hobbyfotograf

Image Formats

Should image formats always be strictly followed?

Of course, if I want to make prints, then yes, I have to follow the rules. Otherwise, it’s a problem for me.
But if I’m just showing images, should I still stick to those guidelines?
For example, I like to choose formats that appeal to me personally.
Here’s a little story: I was once kicked out of a photo club because I didn’t follow their general rules. They required all images to be 20x27 cm to be displayed in the selection area. That just wasn’t my thing.
That was the end of it for me—I was out.
What do you think about these kinds of restrictions—aside from printing requirements—when it’s just for showing images?

28.09.2022, 16:37 #2

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

Dear Andreas,
I’m really grateful that you started this discussion. Ever since I saw your (and others’) landscape photos in very wide formats here, I’ve been pondering this question. You’ve taken the lead on the topic introduction—thank you!
So far, I’ve stuck to the modified 24x36 formats, meaning 2:3, which is printer-friendly. A few years ago, I experimented with square formats, especially for flower macros. I stopped doing that because it limited the creative possibilities quite a bit.
Lately, I’ve been wondering if widescreen formats like 16:9 or 16:10 might actually make more sense today, since I enjoy viewing my photos on a TV monitor and especially like to show travel reports there. Your “cinema formats” really inspired me.
In this context, I’m thinking about shooting in these formats from the start rather than cropping later.

The question remains whether to use a specially suited format for each photo and decide only during editing. I’m curious to hear what the community thinks. Thanks to the photos here, I can now imagine it quite well. Best regards, Alfred

28.09.2022, 18:38 #3

Andreas Bibas

Hobbyfotograf

Let's see who else is getting involved here.

01.10.2022, 05:16 #4

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

It's only been two days, but I'm already feeling disappointed, as Andreas' skepticism seems to have been well-founded. Maybe someone will prove us wrong over the weekend? After all, choosing the format is a decision each of us has to make with every photo, whether consciously or not.

01.10.2022, 22:24 #5

Andreas F

Experte

Well, I’ll catch up with you over the weekend.

My formats are determined by my fixed mask frames, especially when I enlarge with a border. Without a border, I have more freedom to experiment. Or I trim the image later with a cutter to get it just right.
Digitally, it usually doesn’t matter much to me since often more detail is visible than in the final dried print.

Cheers, Andreas

01.10.2022, 22:59 #6

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

Thanks, Andreas, for answering our late-night pleas.

Best, a.

10.10.2022, 20:11 #7

Bernd Tiemann

Hobbyfotograf

Hello everyone. I have to admit, to my shame, that I've never really looked into this topic before. I also have no knowledge in this area. But I would be really grateful if I could learn a bit more about it here.
Best regards to you all Bernd

10.10.2022, 20:54 #8

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

We all want to get smarter, don’t we, Bernd?

11.10.2022, 16:05 #9

Bernd Tiemann

Hobbyfotograf

@Alfred Rosner, you’re so right.

11.10.2022, 20:04 #10

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

@Bernd Tiemann; This will only work if we actually engage with it; well, let's wait and see; now that everyone knows we're waiting to be enlightened, someone will surely share their knowledge and experience with us.

13.10.2022, 15:27 #11

Andreas Bibas

Hobbyfotograf

How do I even start this topic?
For many years, I ran a framing business for all kinds of pictures.
Time and again, I was asked whether it’s okay to crop a picture to suit personal taste—or if that’s something you just don’t do.
If you take a closer look at the subject, you’ll notice that pictures from places like Greece, Spain, Italy, or Asia often don’t follow the so-called standard proportions.
The important thing is that the image feels personally pleasing to each viewer.
I suspect these standard dimensions came about with the advent of printing technology, but I’m not entirely sure.
There are basic guidelines—so-called rules of harmony.
But ultimately, everything is subjective and should remain that way.
The most extreme picture I ever framed was 30 cm high and 600 cm long.
If the viewer likes it that way—why not?

13.10.2022, 16:57 #12

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

Thank you, Andreas,
for diving so deeply into this topic. You’re not only providing important starting points for a discussion that benefits all of us, but also sharing knowledge and experience from your framing expertise.

The harmony rules known since antiquity, in my view, are fundamentally valid, though not absolute. They hold true because they resonate with the human psyche. However, they’re not mandatory, as there are plenty of exceptions that depend both on personal taste and, to a large extent, on the subject matter.

I find the reference to southern cultures and Asia particularly interesting and enriching. I’m also familiar with a piece (created by a photo club from many individual shots) measuring 70 cm by 11 meters!! Naturally, the right subject was chosen for that, and it requires a dedicated exhibition space.

Ultimately, I believe that when it comes to format, the photographer’s artistic freedom and the viewer’s taste should be the deciding factors—and in practice, they usually are. Even somewhat restrictive print formats can be worked around with a bit of creativity.

@Bernd Tiemann, what are your thoughts on this topic that Andreas has so beautifully prepared and expanded for us?

13.10.2022, 17:24 #13

Gabi Brabenec

Hobbyfotografin

Interesting topic – I just came across it. I've decided for quite some time now to shoot in 16:9 format since most photos are viewed on laptops or TVs. I only occasionally switch to 3:2. If I ever need a different format for printing, for example, I crop the image in Photoshop. Of course, it's best to keep the final format in mind when taking the shot.

13.10.2022, 18:23 #14

Bernd Tiemann

Hobbyfotograf

@Alfred Rosner Hi Alfred, Andreas really nailed it. It’s like photography—there’s the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, and so on. You can use them, but you don’t have to. It’s really a matter of personal preference, and tastes vary.

Best, Bernd

13.10.2022, 19:32 #15

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

@Gabi Brabenec; Thank you so much, Gabi,
for sharing this valuable insight on HOW YOU HANDLE FORMATS; unfortunately, not many people contribute meaningful content here. For me, this is an extremely helpful tip, as I’m considering shooting (almost) exclusively in 16:9 for the very same reasons you mentioned (laptop, TV, etc.). The amazing photos Andreas Bibas keeps sharing here also inspire me to do the same.

17.10.2022, 07:48 #16

Leo Rothner

Hobbyfotograf

The question of image format is as old as photography itself. I believe every format has its pros and cons and is especially suited for certain subjects. It also depends on our "upbringing." Since I grew up with traditional film, the choices were limited to 2:3 in landscape or portrait orientation, and 1:1 for medium format. Yes, you could also insert a mask for 4x6 in medium format, which brings us back to 2:3. Nobody really thought about 16:9 back then.
With digital image processing today, experimenting with formats is much easier. If the photo is intended for a frame later on, the selection of standard formats becomes more important again. Personally, I still find square formats very appealing. These can then be framed in a 2:3 portrait frame.
Best regards, Leo

17.10.2022, 14:59 #17

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

Thank you, Leo,
for your insightful contribution to the discussion. Personal experiences and practical examples like yours enrich all of us!

Like you, I’ve also grown up with the 2:3 ratio, whether in landscape or portrait. Honestly, I still feel a bit out of place with portrait orientation. Medium format was as financially realistic for me as owning a private jet.
With digital editing, I’ve gradually fallen in love with the square format and especially enjoy using it for my beloved close-up shots of flowers.
Of course, it depends on the final use and the subject, but the posts by Andreas Bibas, Gabi Brabenec, and you have encouraged me to use the “modern” 16:9 format much more often going forward, especially since I often showcase my landscape and travel photos on a TV screen. I plan to use the square format more for flower images and, as a result, will use 2:3 much less frequently than before.

23.10.2022, 16:01 #18

Andreas F

Experte

Hello Alfred,
Medium format isn’t actually that expensive.

@everyone:
An important aspect that often gets overlooked nowadays, when photos are mostly viewed on screens, is not the format itself but how the viewer engages with the photo. This is especially crucial when planning an exhibition. Simply by positioning the viewer to look at the photo from above or below, you can create a very specific visual impression. This process, of course, starts right at the moment of capture.
The viewing angle influences whether the perspective of the image is perceived correctly at all.
This is where the format comes into play again. I can make the image large or small, which allows me to control the viewing distance within certain limits.
Just as I control whether the depiction is distorted or true to life by choosing the shooting distance.

11.12.2022, 10:23 #19

M B

Hobbyfotografin

If I’m not mistaken, RAW files are always captured at the full sensor size. You can only choose between portrait and landscape orientation. However, many cameras offer format settings like square, 2:3, 4:5, and so on. Still, the entire sensor is exposed and recorded. In my opinion, choosing a format beforehand only makes sense if you already know what format you want the photo to be. Nowadays, I don’t think it’s necessary to stick to a specific format. The format should support the photo, especially the main subject—cutting out anything unnecessary or distracting. Of course, it’s better to pay attention to things like keeping horizons straight and avoiding unwanted objects, like branches, in the frame when you’re shooting. But who’s perfect all the time? Often, you have little or no time to adjust. It’s better to leave some extra space when shooting so you can make corrections later if needed.

11.12.2022, 14:22 #20

Andreas F

Experte

It's interesting to see the difference in approaches. Usually, the output format and the expected image size are clear to me during the shoot. Just like the selection of the viewing perspective described above.
What I unfortunately can't control are overlooked details, especially in the background, that don't contribute to the composition.

11.12.2022, 14:49 #21

M B

Hobbyfotografin

@Andreas F I'm still not very skilled at photography. I prefer to have some flexibility for editing. For me, that's the better option. For experienced photographers, this might not be necessary.

11.12.2022, 18:48 #22

Andreas Bibas

Hobbyfotograf

Formats are also often very trend-dependent.
I notice this all the time when I frame pictures for customers.

13.12.2022, 17:04 #23

asterix o

Hobbyfotograf

@Maria Bürstmayr; thank you for your detailed post, Maria; I agree with all your points!

13.12.2022, 22:10 #24

M B

Hobbyfotografin

@Alfred Rosner I'm really glad to hear that.

14.12.2022, 16:23 #25

Heinz Licht

Handyknipser

@ maria bürstmeyer described it perfectly.

16.12.2022, 10:57 #26

Andreas F

Experte

@Maria Bürstmayr It doesn’t really matter how well you assess yourself. I think we might be talking past each other a bit here. Of course, having some flexibility is desirable whenever possible. That’s actually one of the main advantages of digital captures. We just have different approaches. I grew up with analog, where there was little to no room for adjustment. That mindset naturally still influences how I work digitally. A bit earlier, I wrote a few lines specifically referring to presentation—something that’s hardly an issue nowadays since most images are viewed on screens.

30.01.2023, 15:03 #27

Jochen Petry

Hobbyfotograf

The aspect ratio of an image is a crucial element of its composition.
That’s why the chosen aspect ratio should be maintained, regardless of the camera’s sensor format.
In other words, if I create a square image, I output it as a square, no matter what the sensor or film format ratio is. Unfortunately, digital cameras are quite limited in this regard, as sensors typically come in 3:4 or 2:3 ratios. This often means you end up with significantly less than the nominal resolution.
Film offers a much wider range of options.
When printing on paper, however, it doesn’t really matter—you don’t “lose” resolution, at most you might waste a bit of paper if you’re using pre-cut sheets. Paper on a roll solves this problem quite easily, if desired or necessary.

19.11.2025, 03:23 #28

Erich Kremer

Semiprofi

You can also "crop" using an appropriate mat. After all, you still need some material/space behind the mat opening.

Image FormatsImage FormatsBildformate

Image Formats