Such a great video! I've been shooting square since 1968. At first, I would shoot with the intention of cropping the image to rectangular. Then one day, I woke up and realized that if I filled up the frame with my composition, it was better than cropping to rectangular! We are all taught that rectangular is the final image we want. Not so!
Lisbon is wonderful. I feel like I end up re-scanning those photos every year just to relive that trip. I probably should go back and make new photos, but this is cheaper. Haha
Totally agree! I started doing square images naturally in a way years ago because it just felt natural to me. And, many digital cameras these days allow to view 1x1 crop. Always interesting composing in this format. Thanks for doing this video 🙏🏻
Glad to help. I shot some square during and engagement session the other night on my digital just because I could and it's some of my favorite. It always is a good idea to try different things.
My Pentax K-1 allows me to shot in square format. Having used Yashica and Minolta TLRs, plus 6x6 Rollei SLRs, extensively in the past I can never understand why it poses such a problem for so many photographers. I adore shooting square format black and white for portraits and boudoir/glamour.
Thanks for this video. You completely changed my mind about square images. I just finished a shoot of theatre actors where they specified the photos be square. This led meme to realize my Canon R6 has provisions for shooting in the square format. I am now going to try this technique on more of my photography.
Hi and thanks. Square format isn't just for 6x6 film shooters. Many/most/all ? modern mirrorless cameras have the option to shoot 1:1 image size. Also the Nikon D780 allows shooting 1:1 and displays it on the rear screen. cheers
Totally. I have a square set as one of the C2 (custom setting) on the Canon R6 as well. It's great when i need to see the world differently and so can set it in just a quick second.
Nice. Most TLRs have a magnifier which means yu are back to eye level if you want or a "sports finder",AKA, a hole. Also, you can crop to rectangular! Let's face it, we just love a massive negative.
This is very helpful I can related everything you said here. The s curve is very helpful technique that I will be putting to practice because I really like the look and challenge of 6x6
Hello, in minute 8.05 you have a photo of Lisbon, this is the most photographed tram in the world. I'm from Lisbon and I found this video because I bought an old Dualflex in excellent condition and I've been watching your videos, thanks for the help. I will now test it with a 100 TMX 120. Best regards.
They trollies are cliche but also help free travel memories in such a wonderful way. And enjoy the duaflex. I have another video about using mine. They're fun.
Hi Joe, I really liked the video and thank you for the tips. I was wondering what film stock were you using? I am still learning and loved the way your photos looked!
Actually the main drawback with square format is that everything works fits in it. It's such a perfect ratio (1/1) that there's no inherent tensions inside of your frame. If there were autofocus you could shoot eyes closed and even then your "boldest" compositions will go from mistakes to sheer statements ! Only wide angles can be a bit more problematic depending on the scenery. Love your joke on the "portrait postion vs landscape postion" in square picture - I always take my 6*6 pictures in the former one :) More seriously, I find straightning the horizon to be more challenging with the waistlevel viewfinder.
Haha. I'm glad my jokes landed. Was afraid that one got lost. And yea, I can only imagine about getting straight horizons in square. I struggle with that with my 6x7 or using the rangefinder 6x6. Takes so much practice.
It's one of those things that's easy to get out of the habit. Especially because your only options are medium format film or cropping in digital. But when you do, it's always so great.
Square format is essentially portrait and landscape all in one. Choose one or both or neither. Only more creatively accomplished photographers can master square. The rectangular format is just square with compositional water wings.
The nice thing about 6x6 is that you can compose and shoot for square, and it’s also possible to compose for landscape and crop in the darkroom or in the scanned image.
Hi Joe, could you pls advise why at 4:40 you are saying "landscape oriented 6x6 square photos are always better than portrait oriented ones". Thank you.
I sometimes wonder if Sir Tim Berners-Lee reclines with a glass of his favourite tipple at the end of the day, and sheds a tear of pride for the wonderful potential of his invention.
