Should I Use a Horizontal or Vertical Photo For My Christmas Photo Cards?

If you are like most people, you tend to capture mostly horizontal photos when taking pictures. Because of the way our eyes are set, horizontal photos most closely correspond to the human field of vision. Almost all cameras are set up to take horizontal photos, to mimic the way we see the world. Vertical photos are taken less frequently, as it is generally required to turn the camera sideways to capture a vertical image.

Recognizing which way to hold your digital camera in various situations will turn you into a better photographer. When taking pictures for your Christmas photo cards this year, the following guidelines will help you decide whether or not to take horizontal or vertical photos.

When is it best to take horizontal photos?

• When the subject of the photo is greater in width than in height. If you are taking Christmas card photos of your kids standing side by side, a horizontal setup is best.
• When the subject is moving horizontally. This will enhance the idea of motion in the photograph. You should leave more space in your photo to the side towards which the subject is moving. Wouldn't an action photo be interesting for your photo Christmas cards? Photos of the kids sledding can be taken horizontally, leaving space at whichever side the sled is moving towards.
• When your subject is gazing to the right or left. Leave extra room in your photo to the side of the subject's gaze. For example, a horizontal photo of a person gazing to the left at a beautiful arrangement of candles with holly can create beautiful Christmas photo cards.
• To convey a sense of vastness. Horizontal photos can convey the magnitude of a certain environment. Also, placing a small subject in a large setting can be used to suggest solitude. Does your family venture to a tree farm to cut down your own Christmas tree? Have someone take a wide horizontal photo of your entire family standing in the middle of the grounds.

When is it best to take vertical photos?

• When the subject is greater in height than in width. Turn your digital camera sideways when taking photos of your Christmas tree or snowman.
• When the subject is moving vertically, as to enhance its upwards or downwards motion. When taking pictures like this, be sure to leave extra space in the photograph in the direction of the subject's motion. If your kids are sledding down a hill towards you, take the photo vertically (and then get out of the way!)
• If a subject is looking up or down. Leave extra space at the top or bottom of your photo in the direction of the subject's stare, as in the case of your wife gazing dreamily at the shining star atop of the Christmas tree.
• To focus attention. Vertical photos draw a viewer's attention to a single subject by removing all peripheral (and inessential) matter. When you send your Christmas photo cards, do you want everyone's focus on your adorable daughter fashioning her Christmas outfit? Taking photos vertically with a simple background will do the trick.

Horizontal and vertical photos each have their advantages. The next time you are taking photos, evaluate the environment, your subject and what you want the focus of the picture to be. You may discover that you are turning your digital camera sideways more often than you used to.

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