The Beach in 16 x 9
16 x 9
The Perfect Aspect Ratio for Beach Photography?
Why does 16 x 9 aspect ratio work so well for beach photography?
It's all about the width.
Traditional photography formats and print sizes are designed, at least in part, to allow flexibility between horizontal and vertical shooting.
8x10 print = 1.25:1 ratio
5x7 print = 1.4:1 ratio
4x6 print = 1.5:1 ratio
Even the widest of the bunch has a width only 1.5 times its height. Meanwhile, the 16x9 format has an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Vertically, this can be oddly tall. Horizontally, the 16x9 format provides extra breathing room on the sides of the frame for panoramas. The ocean's horizon line is one of the beach's most defining features; the wider aspect ratio accentuates that geometry. And beacuse 16x9 is the standard format for HD video, the frame size can also lend a cinematic drama to shots.
Here are a few shots from a recent trip to Big Sur.
For more photophraphs, check out my Instagram: @sean_patrick_cain