These shots are especially successful if the person is shot in profile and looking at something outside the frame, or if you have a great background that complements the main subject and creates atmosphere. Therefore, it is quite possible to shoot people horizontally. To turn the camera correctly, you first need to understand that the orientation of the picture is not entirely about the subject, but rather about the composition. Landscape or portrait: orientation decision For example, when photographing still life, a landscape view is usually used. The horizontal format of the picture should also be used when there are a lot of objects and details scattered in the horizontal plane in the frame and you want to cover them all. To fix it, you can make a portrait photo landscape during editing and crop all the unnecessary details. In addition, if there is a moving object in the frame, the horizontal layout of the photo allows you to leave more room for the intended movement of the object, which enhances the dynamics of the shot.Ī similar dynamics sometimes comes across in portrait shots but it is lost due to composition. In a photo stretched in a horizontal direction, it is easier to emphasize the breadth of space. This orientation of the picture corresponds to our perception, as we are more accustomed to viewing the space around us in the horizontal direction. Usually, the horizontal format of shots is more suitable for landscape photography. The aspect ratio also plays a significant role in this, because different ratios are ideal for various platforms, for example, Instagram welcomes a 4:5 aspect ratio. Moreover, vertical orientation is best if you plan to post photos on social media platforms. Therefore, the vertical orientation of the image is ideal when we need to emphasize the height of objects such as trees or buildings. When we look at a vertical photo, our gaze usually moves from the bottom to the top. In addition, when taking full-body photos, the verticality of the human figure itself requires such an orientation of the frame.īut there is no such rule that cannot be broken – sometimes portrait format is used when shooting a landscape! With the right scene, choosing this orientation can produce a very expressive shot. It also helps focus the viewer’s attention on the main subject. Vertical orientation is usually used when photographing a portrait since it allows excluding empty space on the right and left of the person being photographed from the frame.

Beginning photographers usually take pictures with the camera held horizontally.

Portrait vs landscape situational