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How to Get the Horizons Straight in Photos

A photograph with an uneven horizon doesn't look professional and alters the background of the picture. This can detract from the images you have captured by skewing the horizon behind them. Getting a straight horizon in photographs requires a little preparation and practice, but the payoff is high-quality pictures you'll be proud to display. Balancing your camera is an easy way to create a photo that doesn't appear to be sliding off the paper. The technique doesn't require fancy or expensive equipment and a professional photographer likely has everything he needs on hand.

Things You'll Need

Tripod
Bubble level

Instructions

- 1
  Place your camera on a tripod. This allows you to get a precise photo by leveling the camera directly on the area you are photographing. Look through the lens and adjust the camera as necessary on the tripod before snapping the picture. If you are taking a picture on uneven ground, such as on sand, place the tripod on a piece of cardboard or wood to keep it straight.
- 2
  Turn on the architectural-style viewfinder. Not all cameras have this option, but professional ones often do. When it is turned on, a grid appears on the lens that allows you to use the lines to even out the horizon in your photograph. The grid won't appear on the developed picture, but provides a guide for taking straight shots.
- 3
  Use a bubble level. Traditionally used to make sure furniture is level, a bubble level placed on your camera while attached to the tripod will help you determine if your camera is straight, which helps take a straight picture.
- 4
  Look at the photo through the viewfinder. Despite using a tripod, a level or the grid viewfinder on your camera, the shot may still look skewed. In this case, simply eyeball the picture and tilt your camera until you find the desired horizon line.
- 5
  Review the picture on your camera. Look at the photo on your digital camera display and determine if the horizon is straight in the finished product. If not, make adjustments as necessary to straighten the horizon.

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