Horizon Lines

As an avid traveler and nature lover, I often find myself taking landscape photographs. Taking photographs of the horizon or a large area of landscape can be tricky. The placement of the horizon (the position where earth and sky meet in the photograph) can make a big difference in the focus of the photograph. Let’s take a look at the options.

A photograph can be broken into three equal sections: the top, center and bottom. The horizontal “lines” that break the photograph into three sections are important to landscape photography. (See the article Rule of Thirds for more information.) For the best landscape photograph, compose the photograph so the horizon falls on one of the lines – either the top or the bottom.

High horizon. When the horizon is placed on the top third of the photograph, the focus of the photograph is on the land and creates a sense of distance. A high horizon will also give you the feel of the landscape stretching out in front of you.

Center horizon. When the horizon is centered, it creates a static photograph. The picture is cut in the middle and lacks interest.

Low horizon. When the horizon is placed on the bottom third of the photograph, the focus of the photograph is on the sky and creates a sense of space. If you want to draw attention to the sky, a low horizon will do it.

Remember that these are rules of thumb. Use your feelings about the landscape in front of you as guidelines as well.

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