Wonky landscapes - how do I make them look straight?

[MelodyT]

Hi there,

Please can someone advise me!

I'm having a hard time finding info on photographing landscapes when the hills in the b/ground slope. If the slope is quite definite, straightening it can throw everything else out. What do I do? Please help! Thanks.

[dcclark]

Sounds like you might want to start a new thread for this, Melody.

I'm afraid that I don't understand your question. Are you saying that the hills are crooked? Are you seeing lens distortion (bulging or sucking of the entire image)? Hills are usually sloped, it's... what they are... so I don't really understand the problem.

[MelodyT]

hi again,

Yes, I know hills are usually sloped; but if the shot looks lopsided because of the slope, what do you do? I'm not explaining myself very well, am I?

Let me try again. I took a landscape shot and when I looked at it afterwards, it just didn't look right. But when I straightened the naturally sloping b/ground in PhotoShop, It also didn't look right. All the info on landscapes say you must keep your horizon straight - which I understand - but it's not always possible. Let me just show you what I mean...

[Stryker]

Yeah, I think this should be in a different thread too. Anyway...

Originally Posted by MelodyT

But when I straightened the naturally sloping b/ground in PhotoShop, It also didn't look right.

Are you sure you didn't tilt the camera while taking the original photograph? If you look at the structure in the middle left, it certainly looks like it is sloping down in the first picture, whereas it looks OK in the second one (which I assume is the PS'ed one).

If you ask me, I'd say the second one looks much better than the first. The lines are good and the overall effect is quite pleasing.

[MelodyT]

Thank you.

It's possible the camera was tilted; I was using the LCD whereas I usually use the VF.

[Cliffs]

I agree with Stryker, the 2nd looks more natural and level.

[WWP]

Melody, the first photo looks more real and interesting to me. I think the real problem is the sky, which offers nothing at all yet dominates the photo. The slope actually adds something, perspective I guess. On a day with interesting clouds adding to perspective I think this would be a terrific picture as it is in your original.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by MelodyT

hi again,

Yes, I know hills are usually sloped; but if the shot looks lopsided because of the slope, what do you do? I'm not explaining myself very well, am I?

Let me try again. I took a landscape shot and when I looked at it afterwards, it just didn't look right. But when I straightened the naturally sloping b/ground in PhotoShop, It also didn't look right. All the info on landscapes say you must keep your horizon straight - which I understand - but it's not always possible. Let me just show you what I mean...

Look at the angle of the lake in image one-water always finds its own level,so you had camera at an angle

[wulf]

Even using water as a guide can be tricky if the shore curves. Having said that, it is often a good guide.

My approach is to look for one or more elements in the picture that give a strong cue - for example, if you had a boat on the water, sideways on to you, the base of that should appear level. A mast would tend to be vertical.

You always have to watch out for exceptions though - if the boat is sailing in a strong wind, the mast is likely to be an an angle. Ultimately, you have to judge by eye so, in the absence of a suitable cue, try a couple of different rotations, compare them and either pick one or do another with suitable adjustment until it looks right to you.

Wulf

ps. I've now split this discussion off into a separate thread.

[faeriegodess612]

the second one looks better to me to. If you were taking it handheld its easy to get it slightly off. if using a tripod, try one that has the bubble levels. They help a TON! the second one does look like its ever so slightly over straightened tho. like it needs to be tilted back the original way just a tad.