Buick – © John Neel

The old and hard rule for maintaining a straight horizon is a silly fallacy. Such a narrow rstriction sets limits on the creative process. There are many times when a straight horizon just doesn’t work as well as introducing a degree of slope. There are times when a lot of tilt can enhance a photograph.

There are times when a skewed horizon adds to the dynamics of an image. Among other things, it can imply falling, toppling, or slanted motion to name a few. It can help to emphasize the scale of a surface, the motion of a rocking boat, or the sensation of a carnival ride. When it is reasonable to imply those things, it can be an effect that can make the image much more interesting. Static horizons can become too rigid aesthetically for many kinds of photographic subjects.

It can become a bit boring to always see bridled conformity to most “camera club” standards. Breaking away from closed-minded rules will free you photographically. You will become more receptive to new ways of seeing and begin to open up your creativity.

In photography, how you see, is how we see you. Slanting a horizon is simply another option you might use as a photographer. It is merely another compositional tool that can be useful to accentuate the statement you are trying to make about your subject.

I cover many photographic topics and techniques in my book.  – Great Photography book for any creative Photographer.

Rethinking Digital Photography – John Neel

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