Horizontal Or Vertical?

It's all in the composition. I have sold both horizontal and vertical images. but obviously not different orientations of the same image, which would be your only way to test this theory. Just to be awkward I also like square images for some compositions!

Richard Reeve
ReevePhotos.com

The image generally is chosen by the shape of the wall space. And the size wanted by the client.

Common sense.

Probably horizontal dominates sales.

Dave

Most living spaces are wider than they are tall, couches in particular.

I dunno, David. Most of the places when I hang photos seem to like vertical format. Conversely, most monitors are wider they they are tall. So perhaps horizontal formats sell disproportionately well. I usually compose/crop for the image, and don't worry about the popularity of horizontal versus vertical.

I have also been wondering if there was a preference. When I started working with digital art I used a square format exclusively. Lately I have added a few horizontals but have so far only sold the square images. As Richard said "It's all in the composition." ...that really does determine the shape of the image.

I also agree with Dave that when choosing artwork I first look at the wall space itself to determine shape and size...then choose the perfect image to fit those dimensions. But then of coarse the possibility exists that I could purchase a piece just because I love it and then find a place to put it.

I've always sold more horizontal (landscape orientation) prints than vertical (portrait orientation). But, I'm more likely to sell multiple pieces (a complete set or series, for instance) when selling vertical pieces.

In my job as part-time decorator, when looking for verticals I'm more likely to look for sets of 2 or 3 pieces, then hang then side-by-side or one atop the other.

Also, I have a serious liking for creating square art. In the last few years, my squares sell about as often as verticals, and seem to be more popular all the time.


*Warning -- Unsolicited Advice Alert!

Susan, I'd consider moving the print in your picture, above, an inch or so to the right. As is, it's nearly bumping into the ladder and is not comfortably situated in the empty wall space. Feel free to ignore! :-)

Yes. A agree. I just covered up one already there. I'll fix it in Photoshop later. I actually just did this one in PowerPoint and didn't have as many options. Actually, I think that ladder angles out and it probably works in the room...but looks awkward in the picture. Need to fix the reflection of the picture too.

And your comments brought up something else I've wondered. On another site, I have the option of selling a print broken up, like in two or three horizontal canvases. Don't those sell really well? Is there a way to do that out here? I don't think so.

Susan,

See comments on Mark's thread tonight.

Dave