How to Photograph the Horizon in Black and White Photography

One of the most important elements in a photograph is the horizon, the line that divides earth and sky. In black-and-white photography, consider the horizon in terms of proportion and symbolism within the overall composition of your picture.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera

1. 
    

   View the horizon as it relates to your subject. Ask yourself what you want to communicate about the subject and any secondary subjects. In terms of proportionality, a predominance of sky suggests airiness and spiritual qualities. If, for example, you photograph a church spire, you may want to include more sky than earth.

2. 
    

   Photograph your subject against a predominance of earth to suggest nearness, earthiness or material qualities.

3. 
    

   Reflect on the mood created by the horizon itself. A flat horizon symbolizes monotony or tranquility. A jagged mountainous horizon gives an impression of nervousness or excitement.

4. 
    

   Create tension in a composition with increased proportion between sky and ground. Similarly, decreased proportion suggests serenity. Exactly dividing earth and sky suggests monotony or stasis. Any of these impressions are valid within the context of your creative vision.

Resources

• Placing the horizon line
• Getting horizons horizontal