Sequence viewing > Aesthetics Index - Resource - © Lloyd Godman

The dimensions and ratio of the Camera Frame

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Consider that the edges of the frame is precisely set at right angles to each other and act as an unforgiving reference point. For us, the horizon is a leveling device it is related to balance and gives us a sense of being even.

 

In a photograph we compare any horizon line to the horizontals of the frame. When it is level it gives feeling of balance, peace and tranquility.

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If the horizon in the image is slightly off level the eye soon picks it up and the audience has to decide if the image was taken this way deliberately or, if the photographer did not pay attention to this detail.

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However, if the horizon is much further off level, it becomes obvious that this is a deliberate visual strategy to give a sense of movement or instability.

In many of the images from the Last Rivers Song series, I selected images which had the horizon off level to emphasis the momentum of the water.

In this series from Summer Solstice, of images I had set the 6x6cm format on a diagonal. Because the visual balance was even more critical the horizon had to be precisely set at 45°
To solve this problem I had to glue a level onto the back of the camera, which allowed me to align the camera to the subject quickly and effectively.

 

 

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