What should aspect ratio be for photography?

Most common photography ratios:

• 3:2 - Standard for prints and cameras
• 4:3 - Professional studio work
• 16:9 - Web and social media
• 1:1 - Square for Instagram
• 4:5 - Portrait/Instagram posts

Why photographers prefer 3:2:

• ✅Matches standard print sizes (4×6, 6×9)
• ✅Natural field of view for human eyes
• ✅Default on most DSLR cameras
• ✅Professional standard for prints
• ✅Works well for landscapes and portraits

Common 3:2 Print Sizes:

• 4" × 6" (small prints)
• 6" × 9" (medium prints)
• 8" × 12" (large prints)
• 10" × 15" (poster size)

Professional and technical work:

• ✅More square than 3:2
• ✅Better for detailed composition
• ✅Good for studio portraits
• ✅Professional standard
• ✅Mirrors golden ratio (close to 1.33)

Common 4:3 Uses:

• Studio portraits
• Product photography
• Professional headshots
• Fine art photography

For specific uses:

• ✅Instagram feed posts
• ✅Social media consistency
• ✅Album artwork
• ✅Square prints
• ✅Fashion photography

For vertical compositions:

• ✅Instagram portrait photos
• ✅Tall subject photos
• ✅Pin designs (Pinterest)
• ✅Portrait prints
• ✅Smartphone vertical photos

For specific purposes:

• ✅Web display
• ✅Social media stories
• ✅Cinema-style shots
• ✅Landscape photography
• ✅Panoramic shots

For Prints:

→ Use 3:2 (matches standard sizes)

For Framing:

→ Use 4:3 or 3:2 (professional framing options)

For Instagram Feed:

→ Use 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (portrait)

For Portrait Photography:

→ Use 4:3 or 4:5 (flattering for faces)

For Landscape Photography:

→ Use 3:2 or 16:9 (shows wide scenery)

For Product Photography:

→ Use 4:3 or 1:1 (controlled composition)

For Web Display:

→ Use 16:9 or 3:2 (web-friendly)

Canon DSLRs:

• Default: 3:2
• Other options: 4:3, 16:9, 1:1

Nikon DSLRs:

• Default: 3:2
• Other options: 4:3, 16:9, 1:1

Sony Mirrorless:

• Default: 3:2
• Other options: 4:3, 16:9, 1:1

iPhone:

• Default: 4:3
• Portrait: 4:5
• Square: 1:1

Android Phones:

• Varies by brand
• Common: 4:3 or 16:9

Most cameras:

1. Go to Menu/Settings
2. Find "Aspect Ratio" or "Recording Format"
3. Select desired ratio
4. Start shooting

Cropping (Reduces Image Size):

• Pro: Full control
• Con: Loses pixel information
• Best for: Minor adjustments

Adding Borders (Adds Space):

• Pro: Preserves all information
• Con: Reduces photo area
• Best for: Print margins

Portrait Photography:

• Primary: 4:3 or 4:5
• Secondary: 3:2
• Reason: Flattering for faces

Landscape Photography:

• Primary: 3:2 or 16:9
• Secondary: 4:3
• Reason: Shows wide scenery

Street Photography:

• Primary: 3:2 (standard)
• Secondary: 4:3
• Reason: Natural composition

Product Photography:

• Primary: 4:3 or 1:1
• Secondary: 3:2
• Reason: Controlled framing

Wedding Photography:

• Primary: 3:2 (prints)
• Secondary: 4:3 (albums)
• Reason: Professional standard

Travel Photography:

• Primary: 3:2 or 16:9
• Secondary: 4:3
• Reason: Fits prints and web

Social Media Photography:

• Primary: 1:1 (Instagram feed)
• Secondary: 4:5 (portrait)
• Reason: Platform optimization

Tip 1: Know Your End Use Before Shooting

• Prints? → Use 3:2
• Instagram? → Use 1:1 or 4:5
• Web? → Use 16:9 or 3:2
• Plan ahead for better composition

Tip 2: Shoot Wider Than You Think You Need

• Gives cropping flexibility
• Allows composition adjustments
• Preserves maximum information
• Safer for post-processing

Tip 3: Understand Your Camera's Default

• Most DSLRs: 3:2
• Most phones: 4:3
• Know this for consistent editing

Tip 4: Don't Over-Crop

• Losing pixels = losing quality
• Better to shoot right ratio first
• Crop minimally in post-production
• Preserve resolution