Photo Tips
One of the easiest ways to ensure your horizons are level when you shoot, is to use a focusing screen with a grid pattern. Many SLR type cameras (digital and film) allow you to replace the stock focusing screen, and the camera manufacturers usually offer several choices for replacements.
Using a focusing screen with a grid means you will see faint lines, in a grid pattern, when you look through the viewfinder. This enables you to line up the horizon with the lines which ensures that your camera is level. This is very important when shooting landscapes, buildings, and panoramas.
It is possible to correct horizon errors using programs like Photoshop, but when you rotate the image to fix the horizon, you will need to crop the image a bit. It is usually better to get it correct in the camera. This will speed up your workflow and maintain the integrity of your image.
You can find focusing screens at your local camera shop, or on line and most major camera retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and are usually easy to install.
- Colin McNulty - Rosmaru Expeditions