[UncleVanya]

I want to point out that while I frame for what I want. I wear glasses and can't see the entire frame fully when using an optical viewer - particularly with a magnifier on for critical focus. I did shoot largely transparencies so I was used to framing for what final output would be - and still strive for it. But I find freedom in being able to do manipulations in post that I could have only done with a darkroom and an excessive amount of time (interneg, then print anyone?) - the move from darkroom to computer has been a real bonus in my eyes. I do normally limit my post processing to more realistic things that would be possible in the old wet processing world but occasionally flights of fancy run amok and I do weird and wild stuff. Ultimately I think what drives this best is your own art aesthetic. Unless you have to sell your work and need to conform to client demands.

---------- Post added 03-22-18 at 01:10 PM ----------

Thanks everyone! Very good insights. Gold: "I start with standard ratios but I'm not a slave to them." Just the feedback I was looking for.

Awesome! Glad to have helped.

[6BQ5]

How you choose your aspect ratio depends not only depends on the composition but also on the final destination of the image. If you're targeting a print like journal, a newspaper, a book, a banner, etc then the ratio may already be defined for you. It's your job as the photographer to make it all fit so to speak. If you're final destination is purely digital, like online posting and sharing, then you're free to crop however you like.

I try to stick with "standard" aspect ratios when printing ... but I've also gone off the rails and done wacky stuff too. When printing I pick the closest possible aspect ratio to minimize white bands on the side of the photo (i.e. less to trim off). If the print (or collection of prints) is big enough then my local shop will print them on a 44" wide Epson printer and trim them for me.

[clackers]

It can be counterproductive, trying to comply with some orthodox principle like Rule of Thirds by aggressively cropping to an unorthodox aspect ratio.

Best to get that right in camera.

Something in a weird aspect ratio draws attention to itself, as if it's a product of the shooter's mistake.

I don't mean a panorama, or an edge composition or something where the artistic intent is clear, but the ones that scream out "I took the shot too late, there's an awkward person at the bottom left, I'll just crop them out."