Photography is a world of visual storytelling and we use it everyday! From capturing those special moments, exciting travel memories, everyday laughs or even a reminder for something you have seen during the day. Our smart phones have made us all photographers in some capacity.
At the heart of this storytelling lies the often-overlooked hero of aspect ratios.
What are aspect ratios, you ask?
These numbers, like 2:3 and 3:4, may sound like mathematical jargon, but they hold the power to transform your photo's composition, mood, and impact when chosen correctly.
Starting with the basics:
Our Wood Photo Blocks are in three different aspect ratios.
2:3. This means that the width of the photo is 2 units, and the height is 3 units. It's a common aspect ratio for many digital camera photos.
3:4 This means that the width of the photo is 3 units, and the height is 4 units. It's a slightly more square aspect ratio.
1:1 This means that the width of the photo is 1 unit, and the height is 1 units. Creating the perfect square.
What photos are best for these aspect ratios?
10x15 cm (2:3 Aspect Ratio): The Classic Snapshot
The 10x15cm size is the quintessential snapshot. It's perfect for those cherished family photos, vacation snapshots, and candid moments. With an aspect ratio of 2:3, this size maintains the standard aspect ratio of most digital cameras. It's versatile and can be framed easily without cropping your image.
15x20 cm (3:4 Aspect Ratio): Ideal for Portraits
The 15x20 cm size strikes a balance between the classic 2:3 aspect ratio and the square 1:1. It's an excellent choice for portrait photos, capturing your subjects while providing a bit more room for creativity compared to the 4:6 ratio.
20x30 cm (2:3 Aspect Ratio): Great for Landscape Shots
This size keeps the traditional 2:3 aspect ratio intact, making it ideal for showcasing breathtaking landscape shots and travel photography. The 20x30cm frame allows your wide-angle vistas to shine without any cropping, letting you relive your adventures in stunning detail.
To help you visualise, the overall size is very close to a A4 piece of paper (19x29.7cm)
30x40 cm (3:4 Aspect Ratio)
The 30x40cm size maintains the portrait-friendly 3:4 aspect ratio, making it ideal for wall art and larger prints. Whether it's a family portrait, a fine art masterpiece, or a memorable event, this size provides ample space to capture the moment and create eye-catching displays.
To help you visualise, the overall size is very close to a A3 piece of paper (29.7x42cm)
1:1 (Square Aspect Ratio): Instagram-Ready
The square format, with its 1:1 aspect ratio, has become for popular since social media, in particular Instagram. It is timeless and perfect for creating a cohesive and stylish photo grid of prints. Square photos have a unique, artistic appeal that's hard to beat.
Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio: Tips and Tricks
Consider the Subject:
Think about the subject and the story you want to tell. A landscape may benefit from a 2:3 ratio as it in narrower and focuses more on the panoramic aspect of a landscape, while a portrait may shine in 3:4 as it has more space to show more of your subject.
Cropping:
If your chosen size doesn't match your photo's native aspect ratio, be prepared for some cropping. Make sure the crop doesn't remove essential elements of your image.
Aspect ratios may seem like a small detail, but they play a significant role in how your photos are presented and perceived. Whether you opt for the classic 2:3 or embrace the creativity of square photos, understanding aspect ratios lets you tell your story just the way you envision it.
So, go ahead, print those memories, and share them with your family and remember them forever.
As always, if you have a photo and can't work out what the best aspect ratio is, feel free to reach out and I can guide you through it.
Leave a comment