Square Composition

A. 120mm formats

35mm photography is by far the most convenient format for mobility and convenience. However, as with any format it is a compromise. The size of the sensor or film real estate is the deciding factor on the enlargeablity, tonality and quality of the image.

For example, to enlarge an image up to 12”x16”, a full frame 35mm sensor requires a 12x enlargement while a 120mm format negative requires about 6x and a 3x for a 4x5 format. This article is about composition not equipment talk.

I find the medium format a compromise between a 35mm and a 4x5 for landscape photography.

Moving from 35mm format to 120mm format offers differing composition formats:-
a. 6 x 4.5
b. 6 x 6
c. 6 x 7
d. 6 x 9
e. 6 x 12
f. 6 x 17

It is very daunting to the beginner. Different formats needs different composition thoughts. When moving from 35mm format to 120mm format I have chosen the square format. I have used this format for years and will be sharing my thoughts on the elements of composition in squares.

B. Elements of Square Composition

Composition is like telling a story. Remember those art classes in school where you do imaginative composition? A Square format is a neutral format. It is equidistance on all sides as such it does not cause tensions. That being said, creating an interesting composition on a square format needs careful planning. For a good image to work especially in landscapes, the viewer needs to be brought on a tour around the image. There must be a flow where the eye wonders around the image and visit all the nooks and corners.

C. Strengths in Square Format Composition
Square formats are most suitable for:-
a. Symmetrical composition
b. Portraiture - 1 to 3 persons portraiture
c. Fashion
d. Weddings – some may not agree but there are still a lot of images, especially B&W photos taken in this format.
e. Landscapes
f. Street
g. Interiors

D. Elements in Composition

I have used an area of interest as the starting point and find natural lead in-lines to move the eye around the picture. Diagonal lines works better in square format. A close object can also add an interesting element to introduce the viewer into the image.
Disappearing perspective works well in square format. The rule of thirds and the smack in the centre composition can be effectively applied.

Panoramic format consisting of a series of a few images an effectively displayed. I have not tried these, but I find it very interesting to display a pano in a series of photos not joined together.

E. Square format, tripod and the waist level viewfinder

A combination of a square format camera, a tripod with a pan head and the waist level viewfinder are the most appropriate tools in the composition and capturing of a square image.

F. Examples of Square Format Composition

1. This is a very simple example of how the leading lines and area of interest leads the viewer into the picture.



2. Another example how the natural lead in lines, light and shadows lead the viewer into the picture



3. The use of diagonal lines in composition



4. The use of interesting close objects as a lead in to the subject.



5. Square composition in portraiture



6. Another environmental portrait in square



7. A deliberate use of a near object to introduce the environment. This image is best view when enlarged to 12"x12'.



8. An environmental architecture, the square format gives enough foreground and background space to the subject.



9. When no lines are apparent, contrast and colours can be good lead in to the picture



I have noticed that there are now more members using square formats and hope to share my composition thoughts with you.

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Maxby