Hi Gary, Yes, I think it probably would. I did crop it but I retained the original ratio. I didn't even think about a square crop. I'll give it a try and see how I feel about it.
Back in the 60's through the 90's I used to shoot with a Bronica S2A and it was a medium format 6x6. I just couldn't get it.Broader than taller is the format for me. Having said that, I think square works ok if you like that format.
Back in the 80s and 90s I was shooting with a Yashica 635 6X6 and I quite liked the square format but I rarely crop to that format nowadays. It's not that I don't like square format, I just forget to use it. But some images are better when that format is used.
I prefer the square crop. It centers the image, and for no reason that I can answer, when I look at the original image, I keep looking at the out of focus blue flower in the top right corner. I think subjects along the lines of small birds and flowers often work better as a square crop. Just my own opinion of course. Nice image by the way. I still have a Bronica that I use. But I look at an image and the final image can be panoramic, the original ratio, square, or quite often, 16:9. I think that you take each image on it's own merits. It amazes me when I go out to places, and I watch the other people taking images in the same place as myself, and there is what I think the best composure is a portrait orientation, and people refuse to turn their cameras through 90 degrees. Just my thoughts. Gary
Thank you for your comments on my images, Gary. I can see now why I should have considered square format as what you said made perfect sense. I often just accept the camera's ratio whereas I should be evaluating other formats as you do. I know what you mean about turning the camera through 90 degrees. Some don't even do it when taking portraits. I don't hesitate to turn my cameras when it is appropriate. All my cameras have battery grips and I think it is easier when you have the buttons you need at your fingertips on the grip.
I do shoot a lot of images in portrait but I have never owned a battery grip that allows me to do that. I know that I am missing out on something here. Gary
Ray, all I have ever used is 35mm and seeing a square photo seem a bit odd but I have come back to this shot a few times and it have started to change my opinion, so I dragged my Mamaya C3 out, had a play with the controls and familiarized myself with the way it operates. Framing up a subject is a bit weird at first but I think I have down pat. I ordered off of Ebay some 120 film and will see how it goes, might even get to like this square format.
Hi Craig, most of my images have been taken on 35mm and APS-C format with a small amount on 6X6. The square format does take a bit of getting used to as does the left to right reversal on a TLR but, in time, you do become accustomed to both. I will be waiting to see some results from the C3. Just wait until you start working with a medium format neg in the enlarger. That will spur you on to take more.
It will take some time to get my darkroom finished at the moment I am still on crutches. I need to get a 75mm lens for the enlarger to match the 120 format, should arrive soon. I am running into the problem of getting darkroom supplies, sourced locally they cost a fair bit and you have to wait for them to be orded, purchased off of Ebay, cheaper but they take a long time to arrive.
Give 120 film a go Craig. It will slow you down and make you think about what you are doing. I use an external light meter, and the entire photo taking process is very different to digital. I am not saying that it is better or worse, just different. Gary
If I may toss in my two cents. I like the square crop idea, however I have a tough time getting away from the rule of thirds. With the adjustment to Ray's lovely image, I believe the square crop would have more appeal with the geranium only. Difficult to pre-visualize something that has already been photographed, but like I said, it is only worth my two cents. Thanks very much for your input Gary, very much appreciated. Cheers Mate, TT
