A Different Perspective

Text and photography copyright Kevin Ferris
All rights reserved


Looking out over the harbor in Sag Harbor, NY

For many years now, the most common format for photographs has been the 35mm format. This has occurred because of the popularity, and simplicity, of 35mm film. It has also resulted in an explosion in the number of photographs taken in 35mm format. In addition, it has forced many of us to think of images based on the proportions of 35mm film.

The view from one of the Mesas at Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The same thing had occurred with television sets. Because most of us have grown up watching standard TV sets, we have grown accustomed to the format of regular broadcast TV. Therefore, when we see an image on High Definition TV in “Letter Box” or "Widescreen” format, we are a little uneasy at first.

The 9/11 Tribute lights as seen from Brooklyn in September, 2004
Isn’t it a little funny that we are sometimes more comfortable watching a film on regular TV in the “Fullscreen” format rather than “Widescreen” format, even though the film was in “Widescreen” format when it was in the theaters.


Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Due to some recent changes in the photography industry (digital, APS format, panoramic cameras, etc.), we are now becoming more accustomed to photographs in different formats.

Mono Lake, California
APS started to shake things up because it allowed you to take pictures in multiple formats. Digital has also added to the shake up in several ways. 1) Many digital cameras record pictures in formats that are not the same proportions of standard 35mm cameras. 2) Digital images make it easier for photographers to “stitch” together several photographs to make a panoramic image (click here for a sample of a “stitched” panoramic photo from Mark).

Arches National Park, Utah

The increase in available panoramic cameras has also added to these changes. Panoramic cameras are available in many quality levels, from disposable to very high end professional cameras. Panoramic images have become so common today, that inexpensive, off the self, frames are readily available.

The images on this page were taken with a Hassleblad XPan (click here for some additional information regarding the Xpan camera).

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park - Utah


Canyonlands National Park, Utah
One thing is for sure. The only constant is change. Enjoy your new Widescreen HD television, and enjoy the different perspectives that are available for photographs.


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