Portrait format

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Portrait format is when the camera is held with the long side of the image parallel to the vertical, and the short side parallel to the horizontal. For most photographers, this means turning the camera 90˚ from the 'natural' way of holding it. Nikon's D1/D2/D2 and F5 cameras are fitted with an integral vertical grip, which places an additional shutter release in the natural place for shooting in portrait format. A vertical grip can be added as an accessory to the D100/D200/D300 and F6 cameras, adding the additional shutter release.

As a result, pros typically turn the camera anti-clockwise to shoot in portrait format, as this is natural on a camera with a vertical grip, whereas on a camera without a vertical grip, it is often more natural to turn the camera clockwise. Some third party equipment which relies on the camera being turned one way or another is specified as 'standard' or 'pro', referring only to the direction of turn.

Portrait format is in contrast to landscape format. Despite the terms, both formats are widely used in all types of photography.