Embracing the Vertical: I’m shooting ALL 9x16 Photos and Video in 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, adapting to new formats and platforms is not just an option—it's a necessity. As we march into 2024, I've found myself grappling with a format that I have a love-hate relationship with shooting exclusively in portrait or 9x16 mode. Yes, you read that right. Despite the challenges and my reservations, I'm diving headfirst into the vertical world. Here's why.

The Unavoidable Dominance of 9x16

In my niche—where the pulse of outdoor, food, and beverage brands beats the strongest—the shift towards 9x16 content isn't just a fleeting trend; it's where the eyes are. Social media platforms, led by the giants of short-form video, have cemented this format as the primary way videos and photos are consumed. It's about meeting the audience where they are, in the palm of their hands, through their smartphones.

This transition hasn't been easy. Framing, storytelling, and even post-production require a different mindset and approach in portrait mode. Every shot demands a reevaluation of the composition principles I've grown comfortable with. And yet, it's this very discomfort that's driving my current creative journey.

Chasing the Challenge

I'll admit it—I get bored easily. Once I feel I've mastered a technique or format, the thrill wanes, and the creative burnout looms ominously. This perpetual quest for mastery and the subsequent plateau is a cycle I know all too well. My antidote? Introducing artificial challenges that spark real growth.

The switch to 9x16 is my latest self-imposed hurdle. It's not just about adapting to a format; it's about reimagining my creative process. This constraint forces me to think differently, to see the world through a narrower yet more profound lens. It's about capturing the essence of a scene or a story within the confines of a vertical frame. Every day is a new puzzle, and I love puzzles.

Enter the iPhone

Since 2015, my journey as a content creator has seen a significant shift towards simplification and optimization, with my iPhone becoming the cornerstone of my creative toolkit. Over a year ago, I made a bold move that some might consider radical: I sold all my other cameras, fully embracing the iPhone 15 Pro Max as my sole device for photography and as my primary camera for video. This transition wasn't just about embracing the convenience of a smartphone; it was a deliberate choice to harness the power of its cutting-edge technology. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its unparalleled camera capabilities, has not only met but exceeded my expectations, enabling me to produce high-quality, engaging content with a device that fits in my pocket. This shift reflects a broader trend towards mobile-centric content creation, proving that sometimes, the most powerful tool we have is the one that's the most accessible.

The Silver Lining of Vertical Creativity

The silver lining in this journey is the unexpected ways it has enriched my creativity. Shooting in 9x16 pushes me to explore angles and perspectives I would have otherwise overlooked. It challenges me to distill the essence of a message into a format that demands immediacy and impact. This constraint has become a powerful tool for storytelling, enabling me to connect with my audience on a more intimate and direct level.

Moreover, embracing 9x16 has opened new doors for engagement. The content I create now resonates more powerfully in the digital ecosystem it's designed for. It's more shareable, more consumable, and, frankly, more in line with the viewing habits of today's audience.

Moving Forward

As much as I may grumble about the constraints of 9x16, I can't ignore the creative rejuvenation it has sparked within me. The challenges it presents keep me on my toes, ensuring I never fall into complacency. It's a reminder that growth often lies on the other side of comfort.

To my fellow creators feeling burnout or seeking a new spark: consider shaking things up. Whether it's a new format, subject, or medium, the key is to keep pushing your boundaries. Through these self-imposed challenges, we not only keep our creative fires burning but also discover new realms of possibility.

Here's to the vertical journey and wherever it may lead us. Cheers to the relentless pursuit of creativity in 9x16 and beyond.