Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling
Lesson 44 of 50
The Horizon Line
Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling
Lesson 44 of 50
The Horizon Line
Lesson Info
The Horizon Line
The Horizon Line is one of the most important compositional elements in a photograph, whether it's an implied line or the actual horizon. At its simplest, it determines eye level now, controlling eye level influences how the viewer relates to the photograph in two ways. First of all, it's shifts emphasis with a low horizon, the eyes of forced look upwards, accentuating the visual elements above the line. For example, in this image, I've placed the horizon in the bottom of the frame toe, emphasize the spectacular sky. When the horizon line is placed high in the frame, it forces the ice to gaze downwards on objects below, the liner emphasized. This is a useful technique for scenes where, for example, the sky is banal because it draws the eye away from the blandness on directs attention onto interest in the foreground. When the horizon line is positioned exactly half way, there's equal weighting have applied this technique in this image, which helps to accentuate the mirroring effect of t...
he water surface. Theo extent, it becomes almost impossible to tell which half Israel on which half is the reflection. I level also affects us psychologically. Dude way psychoanalytical theory known as the adult child relationship. Adults look down towards a child, and they are the dominant party in that relationship, while Children look up adults, making them the subservient participant. Now in adult adult relationship, where both parties are at the same eye level, neither is dominant nor submissive. Instead, the relationship is one of equality, and this psychology spills over into composition on. Beyond directing, our gaze determines the emotional relationship formed twin, the subject on the viewer. For example, if I compose an image from the high eye level looking down on the subject, the viewer becomes the dominant party in the relationship and assumes power over the subject. By changing to a low I level shooting up the subject. The relationship reverses the subject, becomes the dominant party and takes with its superiority. If I change my level again this time so that subject and viewer I toe I neither party dominates and the relationship is one of equality. This is the reason that when photographing my specialist subject wildlife, I almost always shoot. I level. When I want to add visual tension, I might drop eye level to emphasize the animals Dominion. Rarely do I ever give power to the viewer because it makes for a less compelling image. Now none of these impressions are wrong or right. It depends entirely on your story. As the author, you have to decide on the character of your subjects and use eye level to reveal it to your audience.
Class Description
WARNING: THIS COURSE CONTAINS ARTISTIC NUDITY
AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
- Compose a shot consistently and effectively
- Create artistic, powerful images quickly
- Gain confidence in building narrative
- Identify what stories you’re drawn to photograph
- Brainstorm and develop concepts for creative shots
- Trust your instincts when approaching a subject
ABOUT CHRIS' CLASS:
CreativeLive is partnering with Chris Weston to offer you his Complete Photography Master Course. This is the second class in the series.
Today, everybody has a camera, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s a photographer. Chris Weston will show you how to do all the other stuff – how to “see” an image, tap into your creativity, and compose a photograph that makes the subject look as good in print as it does in real life.
This class isn’t about cameras, it’s about you – the photographer. It will break free your creative mind, get you thinking about narrative rather than object, and show you how to apply simple artistic skills that turn that next click into a powerful photograph.
Learn how to approach photography like a pro and start creating great pictures straight away. With in-the-field lessons, case studies and powerful tips and techniques, you’ll quickly unleash your creativity and gain confidence in expressing yourself through your camera.
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR:
- Beginner photographers
- First time DSLR or mirrorless camera users
- Any photographer who wants to hone their artistic skills
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Named one of the world's most influential wildlife photographers, Chris Weston takes a contemporary approach to photography. After launching his career in 2001, the Fujifilm ambassador's images have graced the pages of top publications like BBC, The Times, Outdoor Photography, Practical Photography, and Digital Photography. As a photography educator, Chris has written over 20 photography books, along with leading photo tours and online workshops.
Lessons
- Your 10,001st Photograph
- Camera Gear
- Piece of Gear We Always Forget
- Be a Storyteller
- Finding Ideas For Photography - Know Your Subject
- Cae Study - Why Are Zebras Black and White Striped
- Photograph What You Love
- See the Extraordinary in Ordinary Things
- Have an Opinion
- See With a Child’s Eyes
- Tell Your Story
- Find a Needle in the Haystack
- Lions Hunting Under Star Trails
- Ansel Adams and Visualisation in Practice
- Keeping an Open Mind and Thinking on Your Feet
- Case Study - The Maternal Bond
- Don’t Tell the Same Old Story
- Relevance
- #1 Reason Photographs Fail
- Getting Rid of Clutter
- Post Capture Cropping
- The Elements of Design
- Elements of Design
- Elements of Design - Shape
- Case Study - Shape
- Elements of Design - Color
- Case Study - Color
- Color in Camera
- Pattern
- Texture
- Seeing The Elements of Design
- Gestalt Theory
- Case Study - Cove
- Case Study - Hat
- Light and Contrast
- Light and Form
- Light and Depth
- Perspective
- Lenses and Perspective
- Rule of Thirds
- Centre of Frame
- Case Study - Positioning the Subject
- Positioning the Subject - Dynamic Symmetry
- The Horizon Line
- Should the Horizon Line Always be Straight and Level
- Other Lines
- Rhythm, Balance, and Visual Weight
- Negative Space
- The Two Most Important Controls on Your Camera
- Training the Mind
Reviews
Edmund Cheung
Perhaps the style of presentation and simple, short, and direct messaging does not "jive" with some; but others may really love this. Yes the production of each episode is stylized and perhaps a bit formal (like a TV Show?), but there is something to be said about it. Perhaps this is not meant for professional photographers? I think of myself as decent amateur / high level photographer. I found lots of great nuggets of wisdom and inspiration from this. Especially when I an in a rut for creativity. Yes I have heard all these concepts and ideas before. BUT it is always great to hear and see a different way of presentation and voice. Please do NOT take the naysayer reviews as the end all. You should judge for yourself and watch a few episodes. If the style and content click for you, I would highly recommend this course.
Kai Atherton
While I am perhaps more advanced in my photography then this course. It is always great to be able to go back to fundamentals and remind ourselves of the basic principles, and even camera function. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and Chris's other. It is a great motivational jumpstart when lacking fresh creative idea's.
Silvia Garcia
Excellent ! Will see it many times to digest all the messages here. Important info on composition theory. Very well explained. Go to the essence of photography. Thanks, Chris !