Print aspect ratios

[chauncey]

I have this penchant for photomerging to increase potential print sizes, often over 36 inches.

I like the dramatic effect of the square crop, but I wonder about the practicality of it regarding
the overall design aspect of square prints hanging on one's wall.

Might I be better served by creating a different aspect ratio?

[Mike Buckley]

Interior design involves employing complementary aspect ratios of a wall hanging and the space it is hanging in. As an example, I have a space in my home that works great with a vertical or square aspect ratio but not a horizontal aspect ratio. So, if you've got a wall space that looks good with a square aspect ratio, go for it. Otherwise, change either the aspect ratio of the wall space by hanging something else to the left, right or both of where the photo will go or use a photo with a different aspect ratio.

[Brev00]

Are you thinking about the marketability of large square prints? Are you trying to devise a strategy for increasing sales? I see a lot of square prints online but see far fewer in galleries and have none hanging in my home. On the other hand, I am a firm believer in following one's own artistic inclinations. Unless you have client who wants a different aspect ratio, stick with it. My two cents (with a one cent rebate). I would also play with different aspect ratios only because you can and getting your own feedback is often a good way to go.

[Black Pearl]

I am a massive fan of 1:1 crops having several on the wall at home. I cut my teeth on 35mm but spent a good few of my tentative years using 6x6 cameras so it could be something lurking in my subconsciousness. These days I'm a regular Instagram user which is mostly (changed recently) 1:1 and I shoot with that crop in mind. When I share images on forums there will usually be at least one 1:1 in the mix and my FB feed has loads of them.

[DanK]

It's all a matter of taste. Personally, I choose an aspect ratio based on the image, not the wall space, but I think fuss with what prints can fit well together.

[chauncey]

A fair number of my recent works involve flowers and using the myriad of PS tools,
aspect ratio is really a matter of choice.

Am approved to display in juried shows next summer and want to plan ahead when
I have metal prints made. What ratio sells best in large sizes?

[rpcrowe]

I too, like square prints (comment on originally shooting square medium format image is right on)

However, I like the square images in books rather than on walls.

[William W]

. . . Am approved to display in juried shows next summer and want to plan ahead when
I have metal prints made. What ratio sells best in large sizes?

That question really got me thinking.

I asked my mate. He is an Artist and also a (succesful) Gallery owner of 30+ years, yes he survived the GFC.

He mainly deals in Oil & Canvas, and reckons that single Flowers are best at 1:1, both big and small frames.

But he added that it is a 'fashion thing' and fashion goes in cycles.

He also added that what "sells best", provided it is good work, is often, and often in the main, determined by who is selling it.

And I think that is true: I know that one particular Oil, (in his gallery) caught my eye about four years ago. The fact that I had absolutely no where to hang it did not change the outcome that it was sold to me and that I am very happy with that purchase, even though the purchase meant extensive rearrangement of three rooms, including repainting one room, entirely.

WW