Light on the Landscape

ON THE HORIZON

CONSIDERING WHERE TO PLACE THE HORIZON LINE

Do you know where your horizon is? In many types of nature photography, the horizon line in the image is often not apparent, nor is it important. However, the proportion of land to sky strongly affects the impact of a landscape photograph. In scenes with a broader view that include a foreground, distant objects, and sky, the decision of where to place the horizon is vital.

The beginning photographer, before becoming very involved with the composition of his or her images, tends to place the horizon or other important subjects in the center of the viewfinder. Take these images to a workshop to share them with the class, and the experienced attendees will chime in, “that photo is too centered,” ...