April is here and you know what this means, it’s time to get square. I’ve been clicking in square mode lately so this month’s theme is spot on for me. It also brings up the basic question of composition as in, how do I fit this scene into a square verses a rectangle?

art obsession

If you’re on Instagram, then you’re likely used to translating your rectangles into squares. Maybe you shoot 6x6cm medium format and are used to composing in squares. Then again, you may find four equal sides too constricting for your style or subjects. Whether you like them or not, it’s good to know how to play the format to its strengths.

Five ways to frame in squares:

1. Go minimal. Simply your compositions by focusing on negative or positive space within the frame.

Night

2. Place your subject in the center or to the edges of the frame for stellar results.

Dear Spring . . .

3. Use shapes and lines within the square to lead the eye in and create a strong composition.

The Wasteland Remix

4. Capture a frame within a frame as an insider comment on the chosen format.

the little one

5. Emphasize tone: capture or process in black-and-white, monochrome, or soft color palettes.

white

As you can tell, I’m into squares and I can’t wait to see your captures over in the Mortal Muses’ Flickr pools.

Nikki | Art & Lemons