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Are Square Crop Photographs Trendy?
In recent years, the trend of cropping photographs into a square shape and printing them in black & white has become increasingly popular. While some may argue that this style ‘Square Crop Black & White’ limits the possibilities for a photo, I believe there are several benefits to this approach that should not be overlooked.
Firstly, the square crop can provide a sense of balance and symmetry to a photograph. It forces the viewer to focus on the subject at hand, rather than being distracted by the surrounding environment. This can be especially useful when photographing people, as the square crop helps to emphasise their facial features and expressions. In addition, the square crop is a timeless format that has been used in photography for decades, making it a classic and reliable choice.
Add Photography Elegance
Printing photographs in black & white can also add a certain elegance and sophistication to a photo. Without the distraction of colour, the viewer is able to focus on the contrast, texture, and lighting of the image. This can be especially useful in portrait photography, where black & white can add a level of drama and depth to the subject.
Another benefit of printing in black & white is that it can be more forgiving when it comes to technical issues, such as exposure or white balance. When printing in color, these issues can be much more noticeable and difficult to correct. However, in black & white, the focus is on the tonality and contrast, making it easier to overlook minor technical flaws.
Exploring Square Crop Black and White Photos
Explore my personal examples of photos that can benefit from cropping into a square print and being produced in black & white. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Clicking on the image will take you to an e-commerce store where you can purchase as wall art.
Above is a photo of narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon Canal. By cropping the photo into a square, the viewer can focus on the boat and the reflection on the water, creating a more balanced and harmonious composition. In black & white, the image can convey a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
This example is a photo of a harbour town. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black & white, the viewer can focus on the texture and contrast of the buildings and the boats in the harbour. This can create a sense of drama and mood, especially if the weather is overcast or stormy.
A third example is a photo of a barge hidden in a quiet corner of a canal. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black & white, the viewer can focus on the details of the barge and the water, creating a sense of intimacy and mystery.
A fourth example is a photo of a harbour signage, such as a sign indicating the name of the harbour or the location of a specific boat. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black and white, the viewer can focus on the typography and the contrast between the sign and its surroundings, creating a graphic and minimalist effect.
A fifth example is a photo of a field with a leading line, such as a path or a fence. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black and white, the viewer can focus on the texture and the perspective of the leading line, creating a sense of depth and distance.
A sixth example is a photo of a barge tiller, which is the handle used to steer a barge. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black and white, the viewer can focus on the details and the texture of the tiller, creating a sense of craftsmanship and tradition.
Crop Ratio Conclusion
Finally, a seventh example is a photo of a house seen through the circle of an anchor. By cropping the photo into a square and producing it in black and white, the viewer can focus on the contrast between the circular shape of the anchor and the angular shape of the house, creating a sense of tension and balance.
Overall, Square Crop Black and White photographs can offer several benefits. It can provide a sense of balance and symmetry, add elegance and sophistication, and be forgiving when it comes to technical issues. So, next time you’re editing your photos, consider square crop your image and black and white treatment a try. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
FAQs: Square Cropping in Photography
Q: What is square cropping?
A: Square cropping is a technique in photography where the final image is formatted into a square shape, having equal dimensions on all sides. This style of cropping is distinct from the more traditional rectangular formats and has become popular for its aesthetic appeal and the unique visual balance it provides.
Q: What size is a square photo?
A: The size of a square photo can vary, but it typically has equal dimensions on all sides. Common sizes for square photos include 1:1 aspect ratios, where the width and height are the same, such as 1080×1080 pixels or 2048×2048 pixels. However, square photos can come in various resolutions, and the specific dimensions may depend on the photographer’s preferences or the platform where the photo will be shared.
Q: How do you crop something into a square?
A: Cropping a photo into a square involves using photo editing software or tools to trim the image to equal dimensions on all sides. Many photo editing applications, both desktop and mobile, provide a cropping tool that allows users to manually adjust the crop size. Some platforms and social media sites also offer specific options for square cropping during the uploading process.
Q: What is crop size?
A: Crop size in photography refers to the dimensions or aspect ratio of an image after cropping. It involves trimming or cutting parts of the original photo to achieve a desired composition. Crop size is often expressed in terms of width and height, such as 16:9 for a widescreen format or 1:1 for a square format. The chosen crop size can significantly impact the visual storytelling and aesthetics of the final photograph.
