7. Off kilter
Pitfall explanation
When you're going for the straight shot, not trying for an artsy, askew view, you have to mind your horizontals and verticals. In vertical shots of trees -- a big Christmas fave -- where you can see the base, floor, a building, or other scene element with strong horizontal or vertical lines, the scene can look especially cockeyed, drawing attention away from the subject.
Can this photo be saved?
Yes. It's a simple rotation, although finding the correct amount to rotate can take some trial and error. Plus, you'll have to crop out parts of the image around the edges.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Visually align the scene. Use the sides of the LCD as a guide when you're framing, keeping its edges as parallel to lines within the scene.
Tip 2: Use a level. You can get a cheap plastic level at any hardware store to rest on top of the camera. If the floor is level, the photo will be.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: A camera with an internal leveling capability or the ability to detect and fix for this.
Suggested models: I wish I had some -- I've yet to see any cameras that compensate for a skewed photographic perspective.
Pitfall explanation
When you're going for the straight shot, not trying for an artsy, askew view, you have to mind your horizontals and verticals. In vertical shots of trees -- a big Christmas fave -- where you can see the base, floor, a building, or other scene element with strong horizontal or vertical lines, the scene can look especially cockeyed, drawing attention away from the subject.
Can this photo be saved?
Yes. It's a simple rotation, although finding the correct amount to rotate can take some trial and error. Plus, you'll have to crop out parts of the image around the edges.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Visually align the scene. Use the sides of the LCD as a guide when you're framing, keeping its edges as parallel to lines within the scene.
Tip 2: Use a level. You can get a cheap plastic level at any hardware store to rest on top of the camera. If the floor is level, the photo will be.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: A camera with an internal leveling capability or the ability to detect and fix for this.
Suggested models: I wish I had some -- I've yet to see any cameras that compensate for a skewed photographic perspective.
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Sergei Plishka
11/02/2006 01:21 PM
If you do notice a reflective surface in the background, simply take the shot at an angle to the surface so that flash reflects away from the camera instead of right back at it.
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