Discussion: Bridges of the World July 2026 (page 6 of 18)

A magical and miraculous bridge appears above the gloom of dreary Bobigny.

I steer clear of competing with Attila 😄

Hi Michael, My long comment just disappeared again 😠 😠 😠 — it’s becoming impossible to write more than three words without hieroglyphics showing up. Basically, I was saying I love this kind of moody sky in photos—just in photos, though 😉—

But this photo really deserved a 16:9 aspect ratio instead of 4:3. Oh well, that’s just my opinion. Everyone does their own thing, after all. It really bothered me visually during the last landscape contest to see most of them in 4:3. 16:9 is so much nicer to look at for landscapes... and more logical too...

The Pont de pierre in Bordeaux in 16/9.



I’m trying to picture the same shot in 4/3...

So, 4:6 or 16:9?

And 4:6 is less bad than 4:3 for a landscape... It's just my opinion and my personal taste.

Plus, my example is poorly chosen because here the foreground is pleasant to look at...

And yet, my example is poorly chosen because here the foreground is pleasant to look at...

Absolutely, that’s exactly what I was going to say. I’m more of a "Aunt Ginette" level when it comes to photography, and there are always details I don’t notice at first glance to optimize a shot. And it’s true that the 16/9 aspect ratio makes a lot of photos more aesthetic. But I’ve also found that it’s not always the case: the foreground sometimes adds depth (and I’ve noticed that’s often what I’m looking for when taking a picture). And sometimes, it’s also pretty and enhances the whole composition. I get that it really depends on the effect you’re going for.

For your gorgeous photo of the Bordeaux bridge, it’s clear that the 16/9 ratio is perfect for highlighting its length.

For the photos I posted here, I didn’t take the time to really crop them because, since they’re not great, I just put them in the discussion.

Stone Bridge in Bordeaux on 16/9.



I’m trying to picture the same shot in 4/3...

You’re right, Jean Marie—here, 4/3 won’t add much. The subject is the lit-up bridge, and the river beside it complements the composition. For me, the framing is perfect.

For the photos I posted there, I didn't take the time to really crop them because since they're not great, I put them in the discussion.

That's what I understood. I wasn't just talking about this photo, but in general. My point wasn't to "criticize" here, but instead of saying nothing here for fear of offending someone, why not share a few little tips along the way?

I avoid competing with Attila 😄

True, the footbridge is more prominent in Agnès’s photo, but yours has real potential. The sky is gorgeous—your shot adds value to it, so definitely don’t crop it out. A 16:9 ratio could work if you trim the foreground, but not the sky 😊

A 16/9 ratio, sure, why not by cropping the foreground but not the sky 😄

Yes, that’s exactly how I meant it—especially for this photo, which isn’t really part of the contest. You could assume the goal is to highlight not the footbridge but Mont Saint-Michel. The footbridge just becomes an accessory to "emphasize" the background (Mont Saint-Michel), like Pagal suggested about the foreground in a photo.

That said, I really love your photo in case you didn’t catch that ;)

So, 4/6 or 16/9?

And 4/6 is less bad than 4/3 for a landscape... That's just my opinion and my personal taste.

Plus, my example is poorly chosen because the foreground here is pleasant to look at...

Hi Jean-Marie,

If you want to highlight the bridge, I think the second one works better by cropping out a bit of the river. But if the subject had been "reflections," it wouldn’t be as clear-cut. As you pointed out, the water is nice to look at. You could also try a square crop by cutting out the entire right side and a bit of the river ;) The options are almost endless and can completely change the perception...

If you want to highlight the bridge, I think the second one is better, by removing a bit of the river. But if the subject had been "reflections," it’s not as obvious. As you point out, the water is pleasant to look at. You could also try a square format by cropping out the entire right side and a bit of the river 😉 The options are almost endless and can completely change the perception...

Thanks for your message... I just wanted to "show" how a photo’s format changes the perception and the viewer’s perspective. In my opinion, yes, the 16:9 one is "better." The photos I’m posting here won’t be entered in the contest.

Thanks so much! And Jean-Marie, I’m definitely not offended—I’m all for tips like the one you gave me! I was just explaining why I wanted to keep that photo exactly as it is in this particular case.

Thanks so much! And Jean-Marie, I’m absolutely not offended and I’m happy to take tips like the one you gave me! I was just explaining why I wanted to keep this photo as-is in this particular case.

Apparently, I’m not being clear or precise enough. I wasn’t talking about you specifically at all. I was just sharing with those who enjoy exchanging ideas when we talk about photography in a friendly, modest, and respectful way—just like Kate did in her opinion. I really appreciate this kind of exchange and sharing. It helps us move forward. I’m not Uncle Gaston, Aunt Ginette’s husband—well, I don’t think so—but I’m far from being a pro, so I wouldn’t dream of criticizing other people’s photos.

I'm more of a "Aunt Ginette" level and there are always details I don't notice at first glance to optimize the photo

You don’t need to be a great photographer to give your opinion on a photo! An "Aunt Ginette" perspective can be valuable, as it often reflects the first impression most people will have when they see the photo. I agree with you and Marien: exchanging and giving feedback—when it’s constructive and kind—really helps us improve (as long as the photographer is open to it).

I avoid competing with Attila 😄

True, the footbridge is more prominent in Agnès’s photo, but yours has great potential. The sky is gorgeous—your photo really highlights it, so don’t crop it out! A 16:9 ratio could work if you trim the foreground, but definitely keep the sky 😊

I agree with you. When you’ve got a beautiful sky, you keep it! That said, (Pagal, if you’re reading this ;)) the horizon’s a bit tilted, and that’s what bothers me a little.

I’ll realign it then 😄

I’ll admit that on top of going during the Covid/curfew period, we were there early to arrive for the spring tide.

I thought the footbridge would ruin the place.

But not at all!

It’s way better than the old dyke and all the cars that used to park right at the foot of the peninsula.

Okay, on the other hand, the new parking lot is scary! Even almost empty...

I think I snapped a ton of photos of the footbridge and the mount that day...

Still, (Pagal if you're reading this 😉) the horizon is tilted and that bothers me a bit.

😏 I didn’t dare say it... I’m a bit picky about crooked or even slightly tilted horizons. Yet, it still happens to me sometimes—either from carelessness and lack of attention if I’m too focused on my main subject, or because my eyesight’s playing tricks on me as I get older...