Embracing New Aspect Ratios: A Game-Changer for the Future of Photography!

If you haven’t observed, the portrait orientation is overtaking the landscape. In fact, this trend has been evident for quite some time. A majority of photographers operate their cameras in landscape mode, resulting in images that are captured horizontally. However, social media platforms have increased the prominence of vertical photos. Additionally, photo books often enhance the appearance of vertical images thanks to traditional paper and book design. Perhaps it’s time for fresh aspect ratios to be introduced into cameras — alongside some ergonomic improvements.

Fresh Aspect Ratios Inspired by the Evolution of Photography

Across the timeline of photography, various aspect ratios have been utilized for portrait photography. I’m not referencing the use of 35mm film. Rather, we’re reminiscing about 120 film. This film format permitted photographers to explore several diverse formats. Referring to a previous piece we’ve composed on medium format, here’s a succinct overview:

• 645: often humorously referenced and teased by numerous photographers, although I personally understand how it could earn respect.
• 6×6: Square format, one of my personal favorites.
• 6×7: Excellent for portrait captures.
• 6×9: Even more advantageous for portraits, though quite challenging to handle.

Here’s an illustration of how these appear in practice, along with a few observations.

645

The 645 format is presently the largest commercially available digital sensor designed for interchangeable lens cameras. Yet, most medium-format cameras today utilize a format that’s smaller than this.

These photographs were captured using a Bronica ETRS.

Square Format

The square format levels everything out. This aspect ratio is remarkable for both social media and print, yet it can be quite tricky to utilize efficiently. These photographs were taken using the Mamiya 6 and the Lomography LCA 120.

6×7

For many years, portrait photographers have opted for the 6×7 format due to its pleasant appearance and the ability to print without needing significant cropping to fit the paper size. The shots were captured using the Pentax 67 along with the Mamiya RB 67. These cameras truly shine in creating vertical portraits, making this aspect ratio particularly attractive.

6×9

6×9 portraits embody a form of beauty that I will always cherish. These images were taken with the Fujifilm GW690 III.

As you may notice, this format works wonderfully for vertical portraits.

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Innovative Ergonomics and Designs

Camera brands could easily incorporate this aspect ratio into their devices. However, there might be additional improvements that could be made. Taking into account the resurgence of half-frame cameras, why not create a camera with a vertical sensor? Furthermore, why can’t they also design a camera that boasts ergonomics tailored for vertical handling? Certainly, such designs are available in models like the Nikon Z9 and the Canon EOS R3.

It is indeed a fact that such models already exist. So, why aren’t there more of them if photographers are eager to use more landscape-oriented formats? While you could attach a grip to a camera, why make it bulkier than necessary?

Vertical is the New Landscape

All these considerations lead to a significant conclusion: camera manufacturers must embrace fresh innovations. They operate in a niche sector, and must begin to be more adventurous in their approach. Why not take a gamble on something like this when it’s clear that photographers desire it? We can’t expect Canon to take such risks — but what about other brands?