Fujifilm X-E2, Fujinon XF 18-55mm, ISO 1250, ƒ/8, 1/125 |
Learning to think “Cinematically” when framing your images is to think about the end user. Today more than ever, most of my audience will experience my images online through the internet.
Computer displays with aspect ratios wider than 4:3 are also called widescreens. Widescreen computer displays are typical of the 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. In 2008, the computer industry started to move over from 4:3 and 16:10 to 16:9.
Most of today’s audience working on a computer newer than 2008 use widescreen, with a 16:9 ratio.
Now when shooting for print, I am considering magazine covers.
Fujifilm X-E2, Fujinon XF 18-55mm, ISO 1250, ƒ/8, 1/125 |
This vertical photo would work much better for a cover of a typical magazine rather than the horizontal.
How it would look on a computer screen |
Fill the frame horizontally. Horizontal is even more true with video. Turn your smartphone horizontally when making movies. If you don’t, the phone will shrink the image to fit the horizontal limits of the screen.
So two things you are doing to make an inferior photo/video. First, traditional computer screens display the images even more minor than someone shot them horizontally; second, you give up visual impact.
Fujifilm X-E2, Fujinon XF 18-55mm, ISO 1000, ƒ/8, 1/125 |
Learn to see three-dimensional. Look around the frame edge to edge and then look front to back for layering.
How would this look on a computer screen without cropping |
Composition Tip
When photographing like a tourist where you want to capture your friends and family at the different locations you are visiting, here are some quick tips to compose a more compelling photo.
- Start with the background. Compose first what your subjects will stand in front of for the photo. Then, fill the frame to the edges as I have done here.
- Have subjects closer to the camera and not close to the background.
- Move the subjects around to find the best place where you can easily see them and the site. Be careful that they don’t block so much of the background that you no longer know where they are for the photo.
Fujifilm X-E2, Fujinon XF 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4.5, 1/20, -1EV, flash 0 EV Slow Sync |
My suggestion is to learn how to fill the frame of your camera and not rely on post-production.
“God gave you two eyes side by side, not top and bottom, so learn to compose for the eyes.” Robin Nelson.