Get your photos level
Oct 31, 2019 22:21:14 #
Scruples wrote:
I'm not sure if I understand this post.
The OP reminds me of the guy who tells the doctor it hurts when he raises his arm.
The doctor replies, then don't do that.
If you are shooting crooked pictures, don't do that. If you recognize the problem you're half way home.
My Nikons have a virtual horizon available on the LCD. Great for landscapes with the camera on a tripod. They also have an option for indicators in the viewfinder.
Too often I see people complain that a picture isn't level when they are looking at something like a receding shoreline.
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Oct 31, 2019 22:54:39 #
Most cameras can display grid lines in the viewfinder or on the back display; I often use this feature to achieve more level shots. Unless the problem stems from pressing the shutter button too hard, causing a tilt. For this, you will need to practice applying less pressure on the button and better support to the camera with your left hand.
Oct 31, 2019 22:59:29 #
Scruples wrote:
I'm not sure if I understand this post. If you want your camera to be level, you can buy a spirit level that will mount onto the hot shot. They are relatively inexpensive and usually under $20.
Fine if you're using a tripod, but have you ever tried to look at the hot shoe level while shooting handheld and looking through the viewfinder?
My old Sony A65 had the virtual level in the viewfinder, but not my A6000 mirrorless models. One feature I do miss, but keeping the "rule of thirds" grid visible in the viewfinder does help somewhat. The more recent A6X00 models did reinstate the level.
Nov 1, 2019 05:32:23 #
Rongnongno wrote:
Your self observation is correct. Level is an issue for 99.99% of photographers using handheld cameras. This includes so-called pros.
Pros use a tripod and do not mess with handheld unless absolutely necessary.
Pros use a tripod and do not mess with handheld unless absolutely necessary.
I guess we might have to define "pros" because I know several "pros" including myself who do not use tripods (or monopods).
Nov 1, 2019 05:42:47 #
I try my best to get the horizon level especially with seascapes but there are always some photos which still are not level. Recently I was stood on some sloping land and this made it even harder to get a level horizon. I do use a thirds grid and this does really does help, with horizontal and vertical lines.
The real annoyance is the amount of image which could be lost in more extreme cases.
The real annoyance is the amount of image which could be lost in more extreme cases.
Nov 1, 2019 06:07:26 #
The Canon 1Dx2 has this type viewfinder level also but I really don’t use it much. It also has a level as part of the Info button functions that works on the rear LCD. More for leveling on a tripod in my opinion...
KTJohnson wrote:
My camera, fairly old now, a Sony A77 has a level display, both for horizontal level and front/back tilt level. I don't know how many others have this.
Using those can make the composition level TECHNICALLY, however, sometimes I have to tweek it in Lightroom to make it LOOK level.
Using those can make the composition level TECHNICALLY, however, sometimes I have to tweek it in Lightroom to make it LOOK level.
Nov 1, 2019 06:49:49 #
Nov 1, 2019 06:54:12 #
I find it quite easy to level horizons since I usually have time to level and align. It’s vertical lines I have more trouble with. I photograph people primarily so I’m concentrating on posing the subject for best lean, facial view etc. when I view in post I realize crooked objects in the background like wedding arbors for instance. The camera level in my 5D4 doesn’t really help unless you happen to be perfectly squared to the background object. It just takes discipline to view the entire frame an concentrate to get it right. Some photographers use live-view to help. It allows you to better view the entire frame “from a distance”
Nov 1, 2019 07:42:25 #
gvarner wrote:
There’s a penalty to pay in PP, you’ll lose some dimension when the photo gets cropped from leveling. I shoot crooked all the time and sometimes it’s so bad I lose quite a bit of the composition as the PP crops to fit the new frame. I usually try to level in RAW and then just accept the loss.
Here's the price one pays for fixing an unlevel shot: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-145626-1.html
Nov 1, 2019 08:01:36 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
Some cameras have a built-in level so you can spot tipsy-ness in your viewfinder. I find mine to be very helpful.
Nov 1, 2019 08:01:57 #
I find that i get out of level shots when i concentrate on the center of the frame and not the horizon or a vertical. I need to compose the shot.
Nov 1, 2019 08:10:45 #
Jay Pat wrote:
What do you use to determine, "level"?
Land meeting the sky is not always level.
Water and land is not always level.
Just looking for guidelines.
Pat
Land meeting the sky is not always level.
Water and land is not always level.
Just looking for guidelines.
Pat
I try to get the verticals vertical, there the most noticeable anyway, horizons can be deceiving.
Nov 1, 2019 08:10:57 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
gvarner wrote:
There’s a penalty to pay in PP, you’ll lose some dimension when the photo gets cropped from leveling. I shoot crooked all the time and sometimes it’s so bad I lose quite a bit of the composition as the PP crops to fit the new frame. I usually try to level in RAW and then just accept the loss.
You need to be more, "on the level" grasshopper.
Nov 1, 2019 08:12:01 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
I don't know what camera you use but, some will let you put a grid on your viewer. If nothing else it makes you aware of the need to level
Nov 1, 2019 08:20:30 #
Nikon cameras have a leveling function incorporated, I believe they call it virtual horizon but not sure.
Any camera store sells levels that you can fit in the hot shoe of your camera.
Any camera store sells levels that you can fit in the hot shoe of your camera.
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