4:3 is also used by many digital medium format digital cameras--so if anything, it's the most 'professional." But the aesthetics of an aspect ratio depend a lot on whether you're shooting portrait or landscape orientation (for non-square). 4:3 looks great for one or two people in portrait orientation. 3:2 on the other hand is probably the worse for that kind of shot. Lastly, the best thing about 6x6 like the Mamiya 6 is, you don't have to worry about orientation, and don't have to sometimes turn a camera on its side!
True point about the format of digital medium format cameras! And indeed I would like it more in portrait. Apparently 6x6 was chosen for Rolleiflex in the beginning since it made much more sense about not having to worry about rotating :b
thanks for doing this series! as someone getting into film photography, its nice to hear and learn more about the ethos of photography. keep up the good work!
Another great episode, and I have found myself lusting after the potential of medium format recently. I think it has less to do with instagram and more to do with amazing youtube videos like this
Thank you again on another great video! I love such articles, it brings to the masses that photography isn't just all about gear but involves other aspects as well.
Ever since instagram allowed different aspect ratios, most Instagrammers post 7x5 photos to maximize the screen space their image uses. I dont see many 1x1 photos anymore.
Kudos to the clueless/rude (?) gal who just wandered through your video, without a care in the world lol; love your minimalistic reaction! Cool & fun video!
Remember that the 3:4 ratio is the format of Mamiya 645 and Bronica etr medium format cameras, as well as being the old Academy format of movies and TV screens.
I don't mind the 3:4 format and often crop my full-frame digital photos to it for posting online. I picked up a Mamiya 645 at a decent price and it is a lovely camera, but then I also bought a Bronica SQ, because, as you say, "it's hip to be square".
Squares work really well on Instagram since you're scrolling but sometimes I would like to see them in fullscreen and I can't because of the app and even if it was possible it is very noticeable that there are blackbars on the screen, even on OLED.
I just wish they would make the portrait mode larger ,currently its like 5x4 in Instagram and everytime I upload something straight from my camera its cropped..🙄
Nice post Ian, I don't do Instagram but I do take my Yashica Mat 124G out from time to time though I prefer to shoot transparency rather than print. Probably I'm a bit contrary but as modern cameras get evermore "smart", using older technology that takes me back to the basics of shutter, aperture and ISO has greater appeal at times. Shooting my old FD lenses on a mirrorless body represents both a challenge and a sense of achievement when I get it spot on both in technical and composition terms.
I think that's the appeal of old cameras for many people! The simplicity of the cameras allows you to worry about other things rather than what's on a LCD screen.
I feel like Instagram is (or was once) the social media version of Polaroid. Like an instant Polaroid camera, you snap a square photo and instantly look at it with your friends. Both are small and “now”. I think this has changed as Instagram is less about snapping something in front of you and immediately uploading and has become more edited etc
the Mamiya 645 is 4:3 too, i guess it's a point and shoot cheap camera. yes, i understand what you are saying about our brains, just a little tidbit for that list.
Nice show as always but I don't think people on Instagram really care about square pictures and filters anymore. Now IG is mainly a way to self promote yourself through images : your visual online business card. I think, now, among the content breeder, there's more (fitness) models, brands, and wanabe-something than actual photographers. You didn't fall in that trap, but I always laugh when people say that square format is the hardest to work with. I've heard that so many times from people that ditched the 2/3 ratio of 24*36 cameras. But you can put anything into a square, that's why IG had that much success. That said my only medium format is a Pentacon Six, a 6x6, and I love to shoot with it. But if I had enough money I would have directly bought a Pentax 67. I really miss the vertical option for portraits. 6x7 or 4x5 are the best for that, everything feels natural that way.
I guess that's both good and bad! If the app was only photographers it would in some ways be a less interesting platform. It's also opened up photography to all types of people in all types of industries. But yes the algorithms kind of ruin the app at the same time.
I love Flickr and it's one of my favorite social media sites and a great photography experience. It's just too bad Yahoo mismanaged it to the point where many people left and it is now kind of a forgotten social media site.
wonderful video, but disagree with you on many points. First off, you contradict yourself when discussing the style of composition in MF vs IG. First you say that IG is leading photographers toward more simple compositions given the small screen, then after introducing a simple square composition, point out how it would be passed over if someone were just scrolling through their feed quickly (as most IG users do). I agree with your second statement; it would be passed over amd that's why IG compositions are usually much busier than carefully considered MF shots that are usually taken on a boxy SLR without a meter rather than a svelte, fancy-pants Mamiya 6 (that camera is a beaut, though!). Also, you completely overlook how amateur square photography of IG is littered with boring dead center compositions. No use of lines or trying to move the viewers eye around the image; just one big subject in dead center after another. Basically, I wouldn't give IG "photography" as much credit as you do. The aspect ratio might be the same, but so much is lost when millions of people are snapping away with phones rather than taking the time to think abiut a shot they will have to pay for and scan in order to be able to enjoy.
Fair point on my mistake haha - I did contradict myself a little. To clarify on that, I guess ultra minimalist shots would be less visible on IG, while simple compositions (of big lines and shapes) would work on both formats. IG has lots of junk, but I appreciate that like Flickr used to be, it can be a great way for new people to get into photography (and square format).
Production was top notch. Well done! You should do an episode on all of Ian’s cool t shirts and orange backpack someday!
This might be my favorite episode. Great production quality, loved the Wes Anderson style bit.
Worth waiting for when the video + edit is this good, keep it up Ian and Anne! 🙌
Thank you!
"Memories and moments count the most no matter what camera or ratio you shot with" that's deep. also anne's #1 fan here btw
Your video is a must watch thing!!!!
Love the second last shot with the ship in the distance. Essentially, it is like the Gobi one you took.
This is truly important on how social media changed our perspective on photography. Great video
Thanks! Wish I had more proof, but just a theory for now haha
yes, but it's a pretty good theory, and I'm following basically the same theory atm. If there's anything I could help with, just get in touch
4:3 is also used by many digital medium format digital cameras--so if anything, it's the most 'professional." But the aesthetics of an aspect ratio depend a lot on whether you're shooting portrait or landscape orientation (for non-square). 4:3 looks great for one or two people in portrait orientation. 3:2 on the other hand is probably the worse for that kind of shot. Lastly, the best thing about 6x6 like the Mamiya 6 is, you don't have to worry about orientation, and don't have to sometimes turn a camera on its side!
True point about the format of digital medium format cameras! And indeed I would like it more in portrait. Apparently 6x6 was chosen for Rolleiflex in the beginning since it made much more sense about not having to worry about rotating :b
I love how you tell a story and not focused on gear. As if to encourage us all...
So stoked, always excited to see a new vid from Ian & Anne! Keep up the stellar work :)
thanks for doing this series! as someone getting into film photography, its nice to hear and learn more about the ethos of photography. keep up the good work!
Yes, finally! Just this morning I was thinking about when the next episode might be coming out. Great timing. 😉
Yeo I absolutely love your videos and your pictures since analogrev ! Def looking forward to more amazing work to come 👏🏽
Another great episode, and I have found myself lusting after the potential of medium format recently. I think it has less to do with instagram and more to do with amazing youtube videos like this
Thank you again on another great video! I love such articles, it brings to the masses that photography isn't just all about gear but involves other aspects as well.
Thanks for watching!
Damn, the production quality and actual content is stellar. Also, some insanely nice color grading.
Great work Ian! Loved this a lot. And man, yeah, the images from the Xpan still just makes me drop my jaw tbh.
The Xpan and Fuji equivalent are so amazing, but just so expensive.
I am really impressed by this video! It's quick to the point, funny, it has great camerwork as well as great editing.
Thanks! Anne did a great job on my uhh sloppy talking :b
Excellent episode! As a 6x6 MF shooter myself I agree with your comments about composing. Simpler the better for me!
Always glad to see an upload from you.
Great video Ian. I really love your philosophical take on photography
Thank you!
Ever since instagram allowed different aspect ratios, most Instagrammers post 7x5 photos to maximize the screen space their image uses. I dont see many 1x1 photos anymore.
More! Love you've been using HK to express universal themes and ideas.
Really nice production. Keep it going.
Instagram shots on super large screen is amazing too.
Now I feel I should take the Mamiya C220 out, again. Great video!
Love your videos Ian! Keep up the good work!
You are stepping up your game. Congrats !
Great video again! always love when you upload stuff :)
Kudos to the clueless/rude (?) gal who just wandered through your video, without a care in the world lol; love your minimalistic reaction! Cool & fun video!
brilliant video, keep up the good work!
finally another video! very good one
solid video per usual! 🙌
Remember that the 3:4 ratio is the format of Mamiya 645 and Bronica etr medium format cameras, as well as being the old Academy format of movies and TV screens.
Yeap, remembered the old Academy stuff, and to be honest not a huge fan of 645 format either. But the cameras are very nice.
I don't mind the 3:4 format and often crop my full-frame digital photos to it for posting online. I picked up a Mamiya 645 at a decent price and it is a lovely camera, but then I also bought a Bronica SQ, because, as you say, "it's hip to be square".
1 square disliked this video, and still... the like/dislike ratio isn't 1:1... awesome vid btw!!!
Squares work really well on Instagram since you're scrolling but sometimes I would like to see them in fullscreen and I can't because of the app and even
if it was possible it is very noticeable that there are blackbars on the screen, even on OLED.
Again a video of insane quality. I love it! :)
Anne does it again :D
Always good, bro!
I got that Huey Lewis reference 😀 well played
That is why I use 2:3 for film photography, it's traditional
I just wish they would make the portrait mode larger ,currently its like 5x4 in Instagram and everytime I upload something straight from my camera its cropped..🙄
I post 2x3 portrait images on 4x5 canvas (1080x1350) to get the best result. For landscapes, I use 1080x864.
Lulu Zhu whats ur ig?
@yunlu.zhu
I really look forward to your video, always interesting, and professional .
Thanks John :)
Nice post Ian, I don't do Instagram but I do take my Yashica Mat 124G out from time to time though I prefer to shoot transparency rather than print. Probably I'm a bit contrary but as modern cameras get evermore "smart", using older technology that takes me back to the basics of shutter, aperture and ISO has greater appeal at times. Shooting my old FD lenses on a mirrorless body represents both a challenge and a sense of achievement when I get it spot on both in technical and composition terms.
I think that's the appeal of old cameras for many people! The simplicity of the cameras allows you to worry about other things rather than what's on a LCD screen.
wow, another really insightful video ( :
Fuji Instax is square again too - waiting for the monochrom film
Worth the wait!!
Great as always!
You should fix the link for Luke's podcast on the description, the exclamation mark got caught in the URL.
Fixed and thanks for spotting that!
Last time i was this early... . Nice episode, it inspired me to shoot with black borders taped on my lens for my next shootout.
I love your videos really interesting
SICK GRIMES SHIRT
yep...i miss you
I feel like Instagram is (or was once) the social media version of Polaroid. Like an instant Polaroid camera, you snap a square photo and instantly look at it with your friends. Both are small and “now”. I think this has changed as Instagram is less about snapping something in front of you and immediately uploading and has become more edited etc
the Mamiya 645 is 4:3 too, i guess it's a point and shoot cheap camera. yes, i understand what you are saying about our brains, just a little tidbit for that list.
Where can I get that Xiao Long Bao shirt!
yes a new video!!!
Nice show as always but I don't think people on Instagram really care about square pictures and filters anymore. Now IG is mainly a way to self promote yourself through images : your visual online business card. I think, now, among the content breeder, there's more (fitness) models, brands, and wanabe-something than actual photographers.
You didn't fall in that trap, but I always laugh when people say that square format is the hardest to work with. I've heard that so many times from people that ditched the 2/3 ratio of 24*36 cameras. But you can put anything into a square, that's why IG had that much success. That said my only medium format is a Pentacon Six, a 6x6, and I love to shoot with it. But if I had enough money I would have directly bought a Pentax 67. I really miss the vertical option for portraits. 6x7 or 4x5 are the best for that, everything feels natural that way.
I guess that's both good and bad! If the app was only photographers it would in some ways be a less interesting platform. It's also opened up photography to all types of people in all types of industries. But yes the algorithms kind of ruin the app at the same time.
Awesome channel
well made video
I am wondering why you don't have a website ?
Great Job as usual....
I hate this new YT GUI
Nice t-shirt "Люблю Grime" )
Oh yes! AnalogRev!
Konata Izumi *AnalRev
I would still appreciate it a lot if Instagram allowed portraits
Indeed, the crop is a little strange
Does anyone still use Flickr? Looking for cool photographers to follow.
I love Flickr and it's one of my favorite social media sites and a great photography experience. It's just too bad Yahoo mismanaged it to the point where many people left and it is now kind of a forgotten social media site.
I do.
yes i do!
I use it because of the free cloud space xP
since you asked! I still use it for my digital photo portfolios
(shameless plug)
flickr.com/photos/christian_enmon
I've never heard anyone saying "six times six" before. I've only ever heard "six by six"
Just sayin'
Is that a HK thing?
is instagram still hip?
wonderful video, but disagree with you on many points. First off, you contradict yourself when discussing the style of composition in MF vs IG. First you say that IG is leading photographers toward more simple compositions given the small screen, then after introducing a simple square composition, point out how it would be passed over if someone were just scrolling through their feed quickly (as most IG users do). I agree with your second statement; it would be passed over amd that's why IG compositions are usually much busier than carefully considered MF shots that are usually taken on a boxy SLR without a meter rather than a svelte, fancy-pants Mamiya 6 (that camera is a beaut, though!). Also, you completely overlook how amateur square photography of IG is littered with boring dead center compositions. No use of lines or trying to move the viewers eye around the image; just one big subject in dead center after another. Basically, I wouldn't give IG "photography" as much credit as you do. The aspect ratio might be the same, but so much is lost when millions of people are snapping away with phones rather than taking the time to think abiut a shot they will have to pay for and scan in order to be able to enjoy.
Fair point on my mistake haha - I did contradict myself a little. To clarify on that, I guess ultra minimalist shots would be less visible on IG, while simple compositions (of big lines and shapes) would work on both formats. IG has lots of junk, but I appreciate that like Flickr used to be, it can be a great way for new people to get into photography (and square format).
y tho
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