Vertical or horizontal orientation?

Pinnacle and Sky. Settler Park, Boulder, Colorado, 2013

Sometimes the subject itself will dictate which way to orient your camera, as in today’s example. Other times it could go either way, and when it does I generally favor the horizontal orientation (also called “landscape”, as opposed to the vertical, or “portrait” orientation).

Here’s a thought, though…If in doubt, make several captures with both orientations and you can make the final decision later. Those who shoot for magazines know this trick. They do it because they don’t necessarily know how the editor will place the image on the page. Sometimes some empty space on one side or the other of the subject will be where they want to place some text or a headline. Your photo might get used that way someday, so start thinking about it!