As requested by =PonyAnarchy, the first feature will be of the square format. I've started running though my favorites list creating my first collection of square format photography, and have just barely gone 15 pages deep into an endless list of favorites (Hey, for whatever reason, I can't browse though a whole gallery section, just though my entire favorites gallery. What's up with that?) So, how about a brief history?

So where did it come from?
Probably the person who popularized the square format the most was Ansel Adams, who preferred the format because you didn't need to rotate the camera to change the orientation (since the orientation was always the same.) Another photographer who popularized it's use is Diane Arbus, who is know for her portraiture work. Original square format photography was taken with medium format cameras using 120 film. This film is also used in the Lomo/Holga/Diana toy cameras that are very popular today as well.

Now the question is: why?
Now on to the lesson. One of the reasons people will use square format photography is because of the scene of breathing room a subject has. There is an even amount of space, thus the subject does not appear to be cramped and rarely has limps chopped off. The square format is more forgiving to centered objects, but compositions are still stronger when they are done using the rule of thirds (or at least somewhat off center.) The square format's popular is also due greatly to the use of medium format film cameras (which have better tonal range and detail than any 35mm or digital camera can produce) which use the 120 6x6 format film almost exclusively.

So how do you get into it?
The best way to get started in square format photography would be to buy a medium format film camera that uses 120 format film. If you're looking for something fun, get a toy camera like the ones mentioned above. If you want something more serious, look into Mamiya, Rollie, and Hasselblad. Note that these cameras can be pretty expensive looking, most only use prime (single focal length) lenses, have a lack of autofocus or an exposure meter, and don't have a flash on them either, and have a bit of a learning curve. Once you start using them though, they will be your best friend (these are the cameras that you will find in most professional studios because of the greater tonal range and resolution.) If you want to try your hand in digital square frames, you're going to have to force yourself to compose as a square. Try taping over the viewfinder, LCD, or even the lens so that you only can see a square, or compose your photos in the orientation you normally wouldn't use so you know there will be excess you can cut off.

One of my favorite artists that uses medium format 120 film is ~stateless Check out his work, it's some of the greatest.

Ok, on with the features!





Check out the collection: [link]

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