Panoramic Freedom!
Dec 08, 2019
The creative process should not be limited to the shape of a sheet of film or that of a digital camera’s image sensor. As lovers of photography, we have been conditioned to view prints in a traditional 8 x 10 format. Over decades, the 8 x 10 format generally was the result of the size of the film used to take a picture and more recently due to the image sensor in our digital cameras and cell phones. The most popular fine art print size is 16 x 20, which is just an 8 x 10 twice the size. A visit to any store selling picture frames will reaffirm our addiction to this traditional print size where most available frames will fit the 4:5 ratio.
Th right side of my brain is supposed to be the creative side, if you believe the left brain, right brain dominance theory, rebels against being confined to a creative space that must fit a specific shape. In other words, creativity with boundaries. As a photographer who has spent over 40 years exploring the wonders of the American landscape, one thing that is very clear is that nature does not conform to the imposition of an 8 x 10 format. Compromises in framing a landscape in which desired elements might be left out or unwanted aspects of a scene had to be included to meet the demands of film or sensor size, photography paper options, traditional framing and more recently, digital printer limitations.
Panoramas are a declaration of freedom. That’s from my perspective relating to the creative process. It can also mean freedom to you as well. Fine art prints hang on our walls yet not every space is perfect for the traditional 8 x 10 format. The panorama, with non-traditional ratios of 3 inches wide for every inch tall (for example a 60 x 20 print) or even a 4:1 ratio (for example 80 x 20) or 2:1 ratio (40 x 20), is often the perfect fit for that special place in your home or your office.
Hanging over my fireplace is a 60 x 20 of Half Dome Evening Glow (the one at the top of my Facebook page). It’s the perfect match for the shape of the fireplace mantle. I’ve fallen in love with the panoramic format and the link will direct you to the Elegant Landscape Panoramic Gallery where you can explore these unique fine art creations. I encourage you to select a panoramic image such as Sand Pipers and Seastacks and play around with the Wall Preview tool to see a panorama in a home or office setting. You’ll be surprised at how natural this format works.
With all due respect to Elton John, Panoramic Freedom!
