Ken Rockwell will tell you that Ansel Adams preferred the 6×6 format. I’d have to agree with him. I’ve been shooting more 35mm film lately, because it can be easier and cheaper, but I’ll undoubtedly prefer the results I get from my square format shooting. While I adore my Pentax 6×7, that is less about the format and more about the size of the negative, in that it is larger than the negatives I get from my square format cameras, and the quality of the Takumar 105mm 2.4 lens. The square format seems to impart a classic and more classy feel to any photograph. I love using it in polaroid form as well, and of course in my mobile photography, it is usually dominant.
Here are a few recent shots that I felt benefited from the square format. If I know my muses, someone will probably do a comparison post later this month to show the same photo taken in a square vs non-square format. Nikki’s advice the other day was pretty great if you are just getting started with squares. I find negative space to be one of those things better emphasized by a square format, as seen in a few below, in particular, the one of the shelf and shadows, and the one of the dog (Rosie!):
Happy Square Snapping!
Cara of tumbleweedineden
I do love the way you use negative space here; for some reason I tend to pack my frame full without thinking about it, and forgetting negative space as a compositional option. Time to try and do something about that I think 🙂
Love all the glorious window light in these, Cara.
I totally know what you mean. Trying out the different formats really does make you think about which you prefer. And I absolutely adore all of these.
Gorgeous photos, Cara. I really like square when it comes from the camera that way. I can rarely bring myself to crop something to a square, but these feel complete.
love me a square.
these are gorgeous!